Decoupled Foot Stabilizer System

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear includes a decoupled foot stabilizer system. The foot stabilizer system is decoupled from a midfoot region of the article of footwear. The foot stabilizer system includes a plurality of strap members. The foot stabilizer system may optionally include a bootie. The plurality of strap members extends underneath a portion of a foot of a wearer. The plurality of strap members is configured to receive a lace at one end. A lace running through the ends of the strap members pulls on the strap members when the lace is tightened and causes the foot stabilizer system to conform to the wearer&#39;s foot.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a division of U.S. Patent Publication NumberUS2014/0075782, published Mar. 20, 2014 (application Ser. No.14/032,373, filed Sep. 20, 2013), which is a division of U.S. Pat. No.8,578,632, issued Nov. 12, 2013 (U.S. application Ser. No. 12/839,079,filed Jul. 19, 2010), both of which are herein incorporated by referencein their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to an article of footwear, and,in particular, to an article of footwear with a foot stabilizer system.

Conventional articles of footwear include two primary elements, an upperand a sole structure. The upper provides a covering for the foot thatcomfortably receives and securely positions the foot with respect to thesole structure. The sole structure is secured to a lower portion of theupper and is generally positioned between the foot and the ground. Inaddition to attenuating ground reaction forces, the sole structure mayprovide traction, control foot motions (e.g., by resisting pronation),and impart stability, for example. Accordingly, the upper and the solestructure operate cooperatively to provide a comfortable structure thatis suited for a wide variety of activities.

Articles of athletic footwear are designed with a particular purpose inmind. Some articles of athletic footwear are designed to withstandjarring impact. Others are designed to withstand lateral impact. Someare designed to enhance stability. Others are designed to provideenhanced cushioning. The purpose for which a shoe will be used informsthe design choices made by the designers.

Some athletic activities in particular may require frequent and quicklateral bodily movements. Sports including tennis and basketball areexamples of athletic activities which require such dynamic lateralmovements. The lateral movements require a secure foot plant to maintainstability. Without a secure footing, injuries can occur. Therefore,footwear which will provide lateral constraint for the foot during suchlateral movements can be designed for performing such athleticactivities.

While lateral constraint is one factor to be considered in designingathletic footwear, another factor is the weight and comfort of theathletic footwear. In general, athletic footwear is designed to belightweight and to provide a comfortable fit.

Therefore, there exists a need in the art for an article of footwearthat provides a customized fit to a wearer's foot and allows the wearerto move in a desired direction while also providing a level ofstability.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear,comprising: a sole structure; a base portion attached to the solestructure; a foot stabilizer system including a bootie and a pluralityof strap members, the foot stabilizer system being attached to the baseportion at an attachment area that extends longitudinally along the baseportion; wherein the foot stabilizer system is further attached to thebase portion at a heel region and a forefoot region; and wherein thefoot stabilizer system is decoupled from the base portion at a lateralside and a medial side of a midfoot region.

In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear,comprising: a sole structure; a base portion attached to the solestructure; a foot stabilizer system including a bootie and a pluralityof strap members, the foot stabilizer system being attached to the baseportion at an attachment area that extends longitudinally along the baseportion; wherein the foot stabilizer system is further attached to thebase portion on a lateral side of a heel region and a lateral side of aforefoot region; and wherein the foot stabilizer system is decoupledfrom the base portion at a medial side of the forefoot region and amedial side of the heel region.

In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear,comprising: a sole structure; a base portion attached to the solestructure; a foot stabilizer system including a plurality of strapmembers, the foot stabilizer system being attached to the base portionat an attachment area that extends longitudinally along the baseportion; wherein the foot stabilizer system is further attached to thebase portion on a medial side of a heel region and a medial side of aforefoot region; and wherein the foot stabilizer system is decoupledfrom the base portion at a lateral side of the forefoot region and alateral side of the heel region.

In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear,comprising: a sole structure; a base portion attached to the solestructure; a foot stabilizer system including a plurality of strapmembers, the foot stabilizer system being attached to the base portionat an attachment area that extends longitudinally along the baseportion; wherein the foot stabilizer system is further attached to thebase portion at a heel region and at a forefoot region; and wherein thefoot stabilizer system is decoupled from the base portion at a midfootregion.

In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear,comprising: an upper having a plurality of slits; a sole structure; abase portion attached to the sole structure; a foot stabilizer systemincluding a plurality of strap members, the foot stabilizer system beingdisposed in an interior of the upper and being attached to the baseportion at an attachment area that extends longitudinally along the baseportion; wherein the plurality of strap members extend out from theinterior of the upper through the plurality of slits; and wherein thefoot stabilizer system is decoupled from the base portion at a midfootregion.

In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear,comprising: an upper having a plurality of slits; a sole structure; abase portion attached to the sole structure; a foot stabilizer systemincluding a bootie and a plurality of strap members, the foot stabilizersystem being disposed in an interior of the upper; wherein the pluralityof strap members extend out from the interior of the upper through theplurality of slits; and wherein at least one of the plurality of strapmembers is decoupled from the base portion at a midfoot region to allowmovement of the at least one of the plurality of strap members toconform the bootie to an arch of a wearer.

In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear,comprising: an upper having a plurality of cut-outs defining articulatedregions; a sole structure; a base portion attached to the solestructure; a foot stabilizer system including a plurality of strapmembers, the foot stabilizer system being disposed in an interior of theupper and being attached to the base portion at an attachment area thatextends longitudinally along the base portion; a plurality of supportmembers disposed under the foot stabilizer system and extending out fromthe interior of the upper; wherein one or more of the plurality ofsupport members are attached to one or more of the plurality of strapmembers and a portion of the upper; and wherein the foot stabilizersystem is decoupled from the base portion at a midfoot region.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the invention, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a decoupledfoot stabilizer system attached to a base portion;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a decoupled footstabilizer system attached to a base portion;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system attached to a baseportion;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 6 is an interior view of an exemplary embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system with a foot;

FIG. 7 is a close up and an interior view of an exemplary embodiment ofan article of footwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer systemconforming to an arch of a foot;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of anarticle of footwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of anarticle of including a decoupled foot stabilizer system with a footdisposed within;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of anarticle of including a decoupled foot stabilizer system with a footdisposed within applying a lateral force;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a conventional article of footwear duringa lateral movement;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an article offootwear including a foot stabilizer system during a lateral movement;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 15 is a lateral side view of an alternate embodiment of an articleof footwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 16 is a medial side view of an alternate embodiment of an articleof footwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 17 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 18 is a close-up view of a lacing area of an alternate embodimentof an article of footwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system showing folding ofan upper to form a base portion;

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a decoupledfoot stabilizer system attached to a base portion;

FIG. 22 is a close-up view of a decoupled foot stabilizer systemattached to a base portion;

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of anarticle of footwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of anarticle of including a decoupled foot stabilizer system with a footdisposed within;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of anarticle of including a decoupled foot stabilizer system with a footdisposed within applying a lateral force;

FIG. 28 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 29 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system attached to a baseportion;

FIG. 30 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a decoupledfoot stabilizer system attached to a base portion;

FIG. 31 is a bottom view of a decoupled foot stabilizer system attachedto a base portion;

FIG. 32 is an interior view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of anarticle of footwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of anarticle of including a decoupled foot stabilizer system with a footdisposed within;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of anarticle of including a decoupled foot stabilizer system with a footdisposed within applying a lateral force;

FIG. 36 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 37 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system showing assemblyof the foot stabilizer system within an upper;

FIG. 38 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system being attached toa sole structure;

FIG. 39 is a cut away view of an interior of an alternate embodiment ofan article of footwear showing a decoupled foot stabilizer systemincluding support members attached to an upper;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of anarticle including a foot stabilizer system with support members;

FIG. 41 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system with anarticulated upper;

FIG. 42 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system showing bending ofan articulated upper;

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of anarticle of footwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system with anarticulated upper;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of anarticle of footwear illustrating cinching of a foot stabilizer system ofFIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is a schematic view of various attachment mechanisms forattaching a decoupled foot stabilizer system to a base portion;

FIG. 46 is a schematic view of various attachment mechanisms forattaching a decoupled foot stabilizer system to a base portion;

FIG. 47 is a schematic view of various attachment mechanisms forattaching a decoupled foot stabilizer system to a base portion;

FIG. 48 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of a base portionfor attaching a foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 49 is a close-up isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of strapmembers disposed through an upper;

FIG. 50 is a close-up isometric view of an alternate embodiment of strapmembers disposed through an upper;

FIG. 51 is a close-up isometric view of an exemplary embodiment ofjoined strap members disposed through an upper;

FIG. 52 is a close-up isometric view of an alternate embodiment ofjoined strap members disposed through an upper;

FIG. 53 is a schematic view of various components for assembling anarticle of footwear with a decoupled foot stabilizer system;

FIG. 54 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of assemblingcomponents to form the alternate embodiment of an article of footwearincluding a decoupled foot stabilizer system of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 55 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of assemblingcomponents to form the alternate embodiment of an article of footwearincluding a decoupled foot stabilizer system of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures disclose various exemplary embodiments of an article offootwear, also referred to simply as article, with a decoupled footstabilizer system. A foot stabilizer system may be incorporated into anystyle of footwear including, for example, athletic footwear. A footstabilizer system may be configured to provide lateral support to thefoot of a user in sports requiring dynamic movement. For clarity, thefollowing detailed description discusses articles of athletic footwearin the form of shoes associated with various sports, including, but notlimited to: baseball, basketball, football, running, soccer, tennis, andother sports and activities where movement may be aided by an article offootwear provided with a foot stabilizer system. However, it should benoted that in other embodiments any other type of footwear could be usedincluding, but not limited to: hiking boots, sneakers, as well as otherkinds of shoes. Articles of footwear used with a foot stabilizer systemmay also take the form of any non-athletic shoe, including, but notlimited to: dress shoes, loafers, sandals, and boots. An individualskilled in the relevant art will appreciate, therefore, that theconcepts disclosed herein apply to a wide variety of footwear styles, inaddition to the specific style discussed in the following material anddepicted in the accompanying figures.

Additionally, while a single article of footwear is shown in the currentembodiments, the same principles taught in this detailed descriptioncould be applied to a second, complementary article of footwear.

For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employedthroughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustratedembodiments. The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detaileddescription and in the claims refers to a direction extending a lengthor major axis of an article. In some cases, the longitudinal directionmay extend from a forefoot region to a heel region of the article. Also,the term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and inthe claims refers to a direction extending a width or minor axis of anarticle. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between amedial side and a lateral side of an article. Furthermore, the term“vertical” as used throughout this detailed description and in theclaims refers to a direction generally perpendicular to a lateral andlongitudinal direction. For example, in cases where an article isplanted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend fromthe ground surface upward. In addition, the term “proximal” refers to aportion of a footwear component that is closer to a portion of a footwhen an article of footwear is worn. Likewise, the term “distal” refersto a portion of a footwear component that is further from a portion of afoot when an article of footwear is worn. It will be understood thateach of these directional adjectives may be applied to individualcomponents of an article, including an upper and/or a sole structure.

For purposes of general reference, an article of footwear may be dividedinto three regions: forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and heelregion 14. Forefoot region 10 may be generally associated with the toesand joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot region12 may be generally associated with the arch of a foot. Likewise, heelregion 14 may be generally associated with the heel of a foot, includingthe calcaneus bone. In addition, an article of footwear may includelateral side 16 and medial side 18. In particular, lateral side 16 andmedial side 18 may be opposing sides of the article. Lateral side 16 andmedial side 18 may be located on either side of a longitudinal axis 20bisecting the article. Furthermore, both lateral side 16 and medial side18 may extend through forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and heelregion 14.

It will be understood that forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, andheel region 14 are only intended for purposes of description and are notintended to demarcate precise regions of an article of footwear. Forexample, in some cases, one or more of the regions may overlap.Likewise, lateral side 16 and medial side 18 are intended to representgenerally two sides, rather than precisely demarcating an article offootwear into two halves. In addition, forefoot region 10, midfootregion 12, and heel region 14, as well as lateral side 16 and medialside 18, may also be applied to individual components of an article offootwear, including a foot stabilizer system, a sole structure, anupper, and/or any other component associated with the article.

FIGS. 1 through 10 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an article offootwear 100 with a decoupled foot stabilizer system 120. Referring toFIG. 1, article of footwear 100 is shown in an exploded view. In someembodiments, article 100 may include a number of individual components.In this embodiment, article 100 includes decoupled foot stabilizersystem 120. Article 100 additionally may include an upper 110 and a solestructure 140. Generally, upper 110 provides a covering for the footthat comfortably receives and securely positions the foot with respectto sole structure 140. Upper 110 may be made from any suitable material,including but not limited to, for example, nylon, natural leather,synthetic leather, natural rubber, or synthetic rubber. In some cases,upper 110 may be made of any suitable knitted, woven or non-wovenmaterial.

Sole structure 140 may be generally positioned between a foot of awearer and the ground. In some embodiments, sole structure 140 mayinclude one or more of an outsole, a midsole, a single piece sole,and/or any number of additional components associated with aconventional sole. In other embodiments, sole structure 140 may includeone or more tread elements for engaging with the ground. While FIGS. 1through 10 illustrate sole structure 140 having one or more treadelements, including a cleat, it should be understood that article 100may include sole structure 140 as described herein without limitation toany specific type of tread element.

In some embodiments, sole structure 140 may further include a portionassociated with a recess or a housing. In an exemplary embodiment, arecess or housing in a portion of sole structure 140 may be provided forreceiving an electronic module, e.g., for sensing physical and/orphysiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear orother devices.

In some embodiments, article 100 may include a base portion 130. Baseportion 130 may be generally positioned between the foot of a wearer andsole structure 140. In some embodiments, base portion 130 may be securedto a lower portion of upper 110 and an upper portion of sole structure140. In this embodiment, base portion 130 may be secured to a lowerportion of upper 110 along an outer periphery 132. Additionally, in thisembodiment, base portion 130 may be secured to a top surface 142 of solestructure 140. In different embodiments, base portion 130 may includeone or more of a midsole, strobel, and/or a portion of upper 110 that isconfigured to be attached to sole structure 140.

In some embodiments, base portion 130 may be disposed between footstabilizer system 120 and sole structure 140. In one embodiment, footstabilizer system 120 may be secured to base portion 130. In anexemplary embodiment, foot stabilizer system 120 may be secured to baseportion 130 in a manner such that foot stabilizer system 120 isselectively decoupled from one or more portions of article 100. As shownin FIG. 1, foot stabilizer system 120 may be selectively decoupled froma midfoot region of article 100 by securing foot stabilizer system 120to base portion 130 along an attachment area having a narrower widththan the width of base portion 130.

In this embodiment, base portion 130 may be associated with a firstwidth W1 at a midfoot region. First width W1 generally corresponds tothe width of article 100 at the midfoot region. In this embodiment, footstabilizer system 120 may be attached to base portion 130 along anattachment area at the midfoot region defined by first attachmentportion 134 and a second attachment portion 136. In other embodiments,foot stabilizer system 120 may be secured to base portion 130 atadditional attachment portions located in other regions of article 100.In one embodiment, foot stabilizer system 120 optionally may be attachedto a forefoot region and/or a heel region of base portion 130.

In one embodiment, first attachment portion 134 and second attachmentportion 136 may be associated with a second width W2 at the midfootregion. In an exemplary embodiment, second width W2 is smaller thanfirst width W1. In other embodiments, second width W2 may besubstantially smaller than first width W1. By securing foot stabilizersystem 120 along an attachment area that is narrower than base portion130, a foot disposed inside article 100 may move foot stabilizer system120 relative to the other components of article 100. With thisarrangement, foot stabilizer system 120 may be selectively decoupledfrom one or portions of article 100.

In some embodiments, first attachment portion 134 and second attachmentportion 136 may be disposed approximately similar distances from outerperiphery 132 of base portion 130 on a medial side and a lateral side.In other embodiments, first attachment portion 134 and/or secondattachment portion 136 may be associated with second width W2 disposedat dissimilar distances from outer periphery 132. In some cases, firstattachment portion 134 may be located closer to outer periphery 132 onmedial side. In other cases, second attachment portion 136 may belocated closer to outer periphery 132 on lateral side. With thisarrangement, foot stabilizer system 120 may be selectively decoupled ingreater degree on a medial side or a lateral side of article 100.

In different embodiments, any one or more of the width of the attachmentarea and the number and location of attachment portions may be varied toprovide different amounts of decoupling to foot stabilizer system 120relative to base portion 130 and article 100.

Referring now to FIG. 2, article 100 is illustrated without upper 110.In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 120 may include a number ofcomponents for providing support and/or stability to a foot of a wearer.In an exemplary embodiment, foot stabilizer system 120 may include abootie 122. In some embodiments, bootie 122 may include a sleeve forsurrounding a foot of a wearer of article of footwear 100. In anexemplary embodiment, bootie 122 may include a throat hole or opening128 for receiving a foot of a wearer into the interior of footstabilizer system 120. In some embodiments bootie 122 also may include aheel tab 124 and/or tongue tab 126. Heel tab 124 and/or tongue tab 126may be used by a wearer to assist with placing a foot into throatopening 128 of bootie 122. In an exemplary embodiment, bootie 122 may bemade from an elastic material. In different embodiments, bootie 122 maybe made from any one or a combination of elastic or stretchablematerials, including, but not limited to: woven synthetic fibers,polyurethane, nylon, cotton, spandex, neoprene, and other natural andsynthetic materials.

In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 120 may include a pluralityof strap members 200. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of strapmembers 200 may be configured to provide stability and/or support tofoot stabilizer system 120. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality ofstrap members 200 may be configured to support a foot of a wearer. Inone embodiment, foot stabilizer system 120 may include plurality ofstrap members 200 on opposite sides. In an exemplary embodiment,plurality of strap members 200 may be positioned on a lateral side and amedial side of foot stabilizer system 120. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, foot stabilizer system 120 may include plurality of strapmembers 200 disposed over an outside surface of bootie 122.

Referring again to FIG. 2, in this embodiment, plurality of strapmembers 200 may include a first strap member 210, a second strap member212, a third strap member 214, a fourth strap member 216, a fifth strapmember 218, and a sixth strap member 220 disposed on a lateral side offoot stabilizer system 120. Similarly, plurality of strap members 200may include a corresponding number of strap members disposed on themedial side of foot stabilizer system 12. In some cases, plurality ofstrap members 200 may be made of a substantially flexible material. Inother cases, plurality of strap members 200 may be made of asubstantially rigid material. In still other cases, plurality of strapmembers 200 may be made of a material that is inelastic in one directionand elastic in another direction. In different embodiments, plurality ofstrap members 200 may be made of any suitable material that providessufficient support while still allowing some flexibility, including, butnot limited to: polymers, rubbers, plastics, elastomeric materials, andother materials.

In some embodiments, one or more portions of foot stabilizer system 120including one or more strap members, may be made of thread structuralelements. In some cases, one or more portions of a foot stabilizersystem, including one or more strap members, may be made of the threadstructural elements disclosed in copending and commonly owned U.S. Pat.No. 7,870,681, currently U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/441,924,entitled “Article of Footwear Having An Upper With Thread StructuralElements”, and filed on May 25, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 8,312,645, currentlyU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/505,740, entitled “Material ElementsIncorporating Tensile Strands”, and filed on Jul. 20, 2009; U.S. Pat.No. 8,312,646, currently U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/546,017,entitled “Article Of Footwear Incorporating A Tensile Element”, andfiled on Aug. 24, 2009; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,418,380, currently U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/546,019, entitled “Article Of FootwearHaving An Upper Incorporating A Tensile Strand With A Cover Layer”, andfiled on Aug. 24, 2009, all of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 120 may include plurality ofstrap members 200 associated with one or more of forefoot region 10,midfoot region 12, and heel region 14. In an exemplary embodiment, firststrap member 210 and/or second strap member 212 may be associated withforefoot region 10, third strap member 214, fourth strap member 216,and/or fifth strap member 218 may be associated with midfoot region 12,and sixth strap member 220 may be associated with heel region 14. Indifferent embodiments, various numbers of strap members may beassociated with each of forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and heelregion 14. In other embodiments, foot stabilizer system 120 may includemore or less strap members. In some cases, the plurality of strapmembers may be disposed in pairs on opposite sides of foot stabilizersystem 120. In other cases, the plurality of strap members may bedisposed asymmetrically. In other cases, one or more strap members maybe disposed along one side of foot stabilizer system 120.

In some embodiments, the plurality of strap members may be connected toeach other using a webbing material. As shown in FIG. 2, a webbing 202may connect the plurality of strap members along the lateral side offoot stabilizer system 120. In this embodiment, webbing 202 is disposedbetween first strap member 210, second strap member 212, third strapmember 214, fourth strap member 216, fifth strap member 218, and sixthstrap member 220. Similarly, foot stabilizer system 120 may include awebbing material for connecting the plurality of strap members along themedial side. In some cases, webbing 202 may be disposed between fewerstrap members. In other cases, webbing material may be disposed betweentwo or more strap members on a single side of foot stabilizer system120. In different embodiments, webbing material may be disposed betweentwo or more strap members associated with one or more of forefoot region10, midfoot region 12, and heel region 14.

In different embodiments, webbing 202 may be made of any one or acombination of elastic or stretchable materials, including, but notlimited to: woven synthetic fibers, polyurethane, nylon, cotton,spandex, neoprene, and other natural and synthetic materials. In someembodiments, webbing 202 may be formed together with one or moreportions of foot stabilizer system, including one or more strap members.In some embodiments, webbing 202 may include thread structural elements,as disclosed above. In some cases, one or more portions of an article,including webbing 202, may be made of the textile material disclosed incopending and commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Publication2010/0199406, currently U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/367,274,entitled “Thermoplastic Non-Woven Textile Elements”, and filed on Feb.6, 2009, which application is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 120 may include componentsconfigured to protect and/or provide stability and support to variousportions of a foot of a wearer. In some embodiments, foot stabilizersystem 120 may include one or more components associated with the toesof a foot of a wearer. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of strapmembers 200 may include a raised toe portion 206. Raised toe portion 206may be disposed in an area of forefoot region 10 that generallycorresponds to the toes of a wearer. Raised toe portion 206 may beshaped to engage and stabilize the front of the wearer's foot includingthe toes. In some embodiments, raised toe portion 206 may be sized anddimensioned so as to extend a height and a width sufficient to supportthe toes of a wearer. Raised toe portion 206 may be formed integrallywith one or more strap members located on a lateral side and/or a medialside. In some embodiments, raised toe portion 206 may extend alongforefoot region 10 between first strap member 210 and a correspondingstrap member on the opposing side. In other embodiments, raised toeportion 206 may extend between more or less of plurality of strapmembers 200. In some cases, raised toe portion 206 may extend along aportion of an outer periphery of bootie 122. In other cases, raised toeportion 206 also may extend over a portion of top surface and/or bottomsurface of bootie 122 in forefoot region 10.

In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 120 may include one or morecomponents associated with the heel of a foot of a wearer. In someembodiments, plurality of strap members 200 may include a heel counter204. Heel counter 204 may be disposed in an area of heel region 14 thatgenerally corresponds to the heel of a wearer. Heel counter 204 may beshaped to engage and stabilize the heel of the wearer. In someembodiments, heel counter 204 may be sized and dimensioned so as toextend a height and a width sufficient to support a heel of a wearer.Heel counter 204 may be formed integrally with one or more strap memberslocated on a lateral side and/or a medial side. In some embodiments,heel counter 204 may be formed by a pair of strap members disposed oneither side of foot stabilizer system 120. In the exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 2, heel counter 204 may extend along heel region 14between sixth strap member 220 and a corresponding strap member disposedon the opposing side. In other embodiments, heel counter 204 may extendbetween more or less of the plurality of strap members. In some cases,heel counter 204 may extend along a portion of an outer periphery ofbootie 122. In other cases, heel counter 204 also may extend over aportion of bottom surface of bootie 122 in heel region 14.

Referring again to FIG. 2, plurality of strap members 200 may beconfigured to conform to the shape of a foot. In some embodiments,plurality of strap members 200 may be sized and dimensioned so as tosubstantially enclose the foot of a wearer. In an exemplary embodiment,plurality of strap members 200 extend initially laterally away from alongitudinal axis and then curve upward and inward. In otherembodiments, plurality of strap members 200 may be shorter and terminatelower but still be long enough so that adequate lateral support isprovided.

In some embodiments, plurality of strap members 200 may extend to aposition that is substantially above the top of the foot. In theexemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, first strap member 210,second strap member 212, third strap member 214, fourth strap member216, fifth strap member 218, and sixth strap member 220 terminate atdistal ends located above the surface of bootie 122 along the lateralside. Lateral side may include a corresponding arrangement of pluralityof strap members 200. In this way, plurality of strap members 200 maysubstantially enclose the foot. In different embodiments, plurality ofstrap members 200 may be various combinations of sizes, widths,curvatures, thicknesses, and/or stiffnesses.

In some embodiments, plurality of strap members 200 may extend to anunderside of foot stabilizer system 120, such that a portion ofplurality of strap members 200 will underlie or extend underneath thefoot of a wearer when disposed within foot stabilizer system 120. Insome embodiments, one or more strap members of the plurality of strapmembers 200 extending to the underside of foot stabilizer system 120 maybe joined to each other at a joined region corresponding approximatelyto a longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, plurality of strap members200 extending to the underside of foot stabilizer system 120 may beintegrally formed. In some embodiments, raised toe portion 202 and/orheel counter 204 may be joined and/or integrally formed with one or morestrap members on the underside of foot stabilizer system 120.

In some embodiments, plurality of strap members 200 may be configured toprovide support to different regions of a foot of a wearer. In someembodiments, plurality of strap members 200 may be arranged so as tosubstantially support the foot of a wearer. In an exemplary embodiment,plurality of strap members 200 may be configured to support regions of afoot of a wearer generally corresponding to forefoot region 10, midfootregion 12, and heel region 14. In some embodiments, midfoot region 12may be associated with an arch of the foot. In the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 5, one or more of first strap member 210 and/or second strapmember 212 may be configured as a forefoot member to provide support toforefoot region 12 of the wearer's foot. In this embodiment, one or moreof third strap member 214, fourth strap member 216, and/or fifth strapmember 218 may be configured as an arch member to provide support tomidfoot region 12 of the wearer's foot. In some embodiments, an archmember may extend underneath the foot of a wearer to support the arch ofthe foot. In some embodiments, sixth strap member 220 may be configuredas a heel member to provide support to heel region 14 of the wearer'sfoot.

In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 120 including plurality ofstrap members 200 may be secured to base portion 130. In an exemplaryembodiment, foot stabilizer system 120 may be attached to base portion130 in a manner such that foot stabilizer system 120 may be decoupledfrom article 100 at one or more portions of midfoot region 12. In oneembodiment, portions of foot stabilizer system 120 may be secured tobase portion 130 at one or more of toe region 10, midfoot region 12,and/or heel region 14. In an exemplary embodiment, foot stabilizersystem 120 may be attached to base portion 130 at an attachment area. Inone embodiment, the attachment area may include a central attachmentportion 131. In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 120additionally may be secured to base portion at attachment areascorresponding to one or more of a forefoot attachment portion 133 and/ora heel attachment portion 135.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 120may be attached to base portion 130 at one or more attachment areas. Inthis embodiment, foot stabilizer system 120 may be attached to baseportion 130 at a central attachment portion 131 that extendssubstantially along longitudinal axis 20. In some embodiments, centralattachment portion 131 may extend essentially from heel region 14 toforefoot region 10. In some cases, central attachment portion 131 mayextend through a portion of midfoot region 12 of base portion 130. Inother cases, central attachment portion 131 may not extend through aportion of midfoot region 12.

In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 120 may be secured to baseportion 130 at one or more of toe region 10 and/or heel region 14. Withthis arrangement, portions of foot stabilizer system 120 associated withthe toes and/or heel of a foot of a wearer may be secured to baseportion 130 of article 100 while portions of foot stabilizer system 120associated with midfoot region 12 may be decoupled from base portion 130and article 100. In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 120 may beattached to base portion 130 at a forefoot attachment portion 133.Forefoot attachment portion 133 may extend along a portion of baseportion 130 near the periphery of forefoot region 10. In some cases,forefoot attachment portion 133 may extend along a portion of forefootregion 10 of base portion 130 associated with lateral side 16 and medialside 18. In other cases, forefoot attachment portion 133 may extendalong a portion of forefoot region 10 of base portion 130 associatedwith only one of lateral side 16 and medial side 18.

In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 120 may be attached to baseportion 130 at a heel attachment portion 135. Heel attachment portion135 may extend along a portion of base portion 130 near the periphery ofheel region 14. In some cases, heel attachment portion 135 may extendalong a portion of heel region 14 of base portion 130 associated withlateral side 16 and medial side 18. In other cases, heel attachmentportion 135 may extend along a portion of heel region 14 of base portion130 associated with only one of lateral side 16 and medial side 18. Inother embodiments, heel attachment portion 135 and/or forefootattachment portion 133 also may extend through one or more portions ofmidfoot region 12 of base portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, central attachment portion 131, forefootattachment portion 133, and/or heel attachment portion 135 securelyattaches foot stabilizer system 120 to base portion 130 using stitching.Generally, any kind of stitching may be used to accomplish theattachment of foot stabilizer system 120 to base portion 130. In somecases, simple stitches may be used. In other cases, more complexstitches may be used. Examples of various stitches that may be usedinclude, but are not limited to: backstitches, basting stitches, blindstitches, buttonhole stitches, chain stitches, cross-stitches,embroidery stitches, feather stitches, hemming stitches, lock stitches,padding stitches, running stitches, slip stitches, stretch stitches, topstitches, whip stitches, zigzag stitches as well as any other types ofmachine or manual stitches.

In different embodiments, central attachment portion 131, forefootattachment portion 133, and/or heel attachment portion 135 may includevarious attachment mechanisms for attaching foot stabilizer system 120to base portion 130, including, but not limited to: adhesive, stitching,hook and loop fasteners, and other methods of fixed and/or removableattachment. In addition, while central attachment portion 131, forefootattachment portion 133, and/or heel attachment portion 135 areillustrated as having a width of a single stitch, it should beunderstood that each attachment portion may include one or moreadditional attachment portions that define an attachment area of anywidth less than the width of base portion 130.

In some embodiments, base portion 130 may be associated with solestructure 140. In one embodiment, base portion 130 may be secured to topsurface 142 of sole structure 140. Top surface 142 may be configured toattach base portion 130 to sole structure 140. In an exemplaryembodiment, base portion 130 may be attached to top surface 142 of solestructure 140 using adhesive. In other embodiments, base portion 130 maybe attached to top surface 142 of sole structure 140 using any suitableattachment mechanism, including, but not limited to one or more ofadhesive, heat, pressure, stitching, and other methods of attachment.

In some embodiments, sole structure 140 may include one or morecomponents. In one embodiment, sole structure 140 may include an outsole144. Outsole 144 may be any conventional outsole used with an article offootwear. In an exemplary embodiment, outsole 144 of sole structure 140may include one or more tread elements 146 for engaging with the ground.Tread elements 146 may be any conventional tread elements used with anarticle of footwear, including, but not limited to a cleat. In otherembodiments, sole structure 140 may not include tread elements 146.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment ofarticle of footwear 100 incorporating foot stabilizer system 120. Inthis embodiment, upper 110 is illustrated being secured to footstabilizer system 120 attached to base portion 130. It should beunderstood that the order of the steps to assemble article 100 aremerely exemplary and may be performed in any order. In some embodiments,upper 110 may be secured to base portion 130 prior to foot stabilizersystem 120 being attached to base portion 130.

In some embodiments, upper 110 may include one or more components.Typically, upper 110 may be configured to receive a foot of a wearer. Insome embodiments, upper 110 may include an entry hole or throat opening112 configured to receive a foot of a wearer. With this arrangement,entry hole or throat opening 112 may allow a foot to be inserted into aninterior article 100.

Referring again to FIG. 4, upper 110 may include a plurality of openings116 for receiving the distal ends of plurality of strap members 200. Insome embodiments, lacing holes associated with the distal ends ofplurality of strap members 200 of foot stabilizer system 120 may extendout from the interior of article of footwear 100 through plurality ofopenings 116 in upper 110. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality ofopenings 116 may include slits. In other embodiments, plurality ofopenings 116 may be any type of opening in upper 110 that allowsplurality of strap members 200 to extend out from the interior ofarticle 100. In some cases, each of the plurality of openings 116 may beassociated with a single strap member of foot stabilizer system 120. Inother cases, multiple strap members may be associated with each opening.In some cases, plurality of openings 116 may be sized and dimensioned soas to allow the distal ends of plurality of strap members 200 to passthrough. In other cases, plurality of openings 116 may be sized anddimensioned so as to allow movement of plurality of strap members 200within openings 116. In some cases, openings 116 may be configured toprevent the distal ends of plurality of strap members 200 to slip backinto the interior of article of footwear 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, upper 110 also may include a tongue area118. In this embodiment, tongue area 118 may include a portion of upper110 that may be tightened around a foot of a wearer. In someembodiments, tongue area 118 may include opposing sides of upper 110that may be pulled together using laces. In some cases, tongue area 118may include a tongue and a tongue opening. In other cases, tongue area118 may include an elastic or stretchable region of upper 110.

In some embodiments, upper 110 may be secured to base portion 130. Inthis embodiment, upper 110 may be attached to base portion 130 includingfoot stabilizer system 120 so as to enclose foot stabilizer system 120in the interior of article 100. In some cases, upper 110 and baseportion 130 may be attached by stitching. In one embodiment, a lowerperiphery 114 of upper 110 may be strobel stitched to outer periphery132 of base portion 130. In other embodiments, other types of stitchingmay be used to attach upper 110 and base portion 130. In other cases,upper 110 and base portion 130 may be secured using other attachmentmechanisms, including, but not limited to: adhesive, heat bonding,pressure, and any other method of attachment. In other embodiments, moreor less of upper 110 may be secured to base portion 130.

In some embodiments, base portion 130 attached to upper 110 and/or footstabilizer system 120 may be secured to sole structure 140 to assemblearticle 100. In an exemplary embodiment, top surface 142 may beconfigured to attach base portion 130 to sole structure 140, asdescribed above. In one embodiment, base portion 130 may be attached totop surface 142 of sole structure 140 using adhesive. In otherembodiments, base portion 130 may be attached to top surface 142 of solestructure 140 using any suitable attachment mechanism, including, butnot limited to one or more of adhesive, heat, pressure, stitching, andother methods of attachment.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of article 100 includingdecoupled foot stabilizer system 120. In this embodiment, upper 110 isillustrated in an outline view to reveal the arrangement of footstabilizer system 120 within the interior of article 100. In someembodiments, foot stabilizer system 120 may be configured with amechanism for tightening foot stabilizer system 120 around a foot of awearer. In one embodiment, foot stabilizer system 120 may include one ormore portions of plurality of strap members 200 associated with tonguearea 118 of upper 110 that may be tightened around a foot of a wearer.In some cases, plurality of strap members 200 may extend out from theinterior of article 100 to tongue area 118 through openings 116 in upper110. In other embodiments, upper 110 may include other openingsconfigured to allow plurality of strap members 200 to extend out totongue area 118.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of strap members 200associated with tongue area 118 of upper 110 may be configured toreceive a lace 500. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of strapmembers 200 may include a lacing hole disposed at the distal end of thestrap member. As shown in FIG. 5, a first lacing hole 510 is disposed ata distal end of first strap member 210, and a second lacing hole 512, athird lacing hole 514, a fourth lacing hole 516, a fifth lacing hole518, and a sixth lacing hole 520 are, respectively, associated withsecond strap member 212, third strap member 214, fourth strap member216, fifth strap member 218, and sixth strap member 220. Similarly, oneor more lacing holes may be associated with the distal ends ofcorresponding strap members located on the opposing side of article 100.

In some embodiments, the lacing hole may be an eyelet. In some cases,the lacing hole may be die-cut or stamped in the strap member. In othercases, the lacing hole may include a grommet. In other embodiments, thelacing hole may be a tab formed by attaching a folded over end of astrap member to itself. In different embodiments, the lacing hole may beany opening for receiving a lace or cord.

In some embodiments, article of footwear 100 may include lace 500. Inthis embodiment, lace 500 runs through the plurality of lacing holesextending out through openings 116 in upper 110. In some embodiments,lace 500 may be disposed in tongue area 118 of upper 110. In someembodiments, lace 500 allows the article of footwear 100 to tightenaround the foot of a wearer. In other embodiments, lace 500 allows oneor more of plurality of strap members 200 to conform foot stabilizersystem 120 to a portion of the wearer's foot.

In some embodiments, article of footwear 100 may include foot stabilizersystem 120 with bootie 122. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5,bootie 122 may extend a height above upper 110. In some embodiments,bootie 122 may be substantially the same height as or shorter than upper110. In other embodiments, bootie 122 may be sized and dimensioned so asto support an ankle of a wearer. As described above, in someembodiments, bootie 122 may include one or more of tongue tab 126 andheel tab 124.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of article of footwear 100incorporating foot stabilizer system 120 with foot 600 disposed withinthe interior of article 100. As shown in FIG. 6, foot stabilizer system120 may be in a loosened position around an arch 602 of foot 600. Insome embodiments, the loosened position may correspond generally toresting along a portion of base portion 130 in midfoot region 12. In anexemplary embodiment, foot stabilizer system 120 may be loosely fittedaround foot 600 when lace 500 is unfastened. As shown in the close upview illustrated in FIG. 6, a gap or space may be disposed between arch602 and foot stabilizer system 120 in the loosened position.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of tightening foot stabilizersystem 120 to conform to a shape of foot 600 of a wearer. In thisembodiment, when lace 500 is pulled tight, including by fastening ortying, foot stabilizer system 120 may tighten around foot 600. In someembodiments, plurality of strap members 200 may be pulled in an upwarddirection by lace 500. In one embodiment, lace 500 may be configured torun through one or more lacing holes located at the distal ends ofplurality of strap members 200 to pull plurality of strap members 200 inan upward direction. As shown in FIG. 7, lace 500 runs through fourthlacing hole 516 at the distal end of fourth strap member 216 and fifthlacing hole 518 at the distal end of fifth strap member 218. In thisembodiment, the distal ends including fourth lacing hole 518 and fifthlacing hole 518 may extend out from the interior of article 100 throughplurality of openings 116 in upper 110. In this embodiment, lace 500 mayexert an upward force on fourth strap member 216 and fifth strap member218 when lace 500 is pulled tight.

As shown in FIG. 7, fourth strap member 216 and fifth strap member 218may move in an upward direction tightening foot stabilizer system 120against foot 600 and conforming bootie 122 to the shape of foot 600. Inthis embodiment, the upward force caused by lace 500 as it is pulledtight lifts fourth strap member 216 and fifth strap member 218 and movesfoot stabilizer system 120 from the loosened position generally restingalong base portion 130 as described above, to a tightened position aheight H1 above base portion 130. As shown in FIG. 7, the tightenedposition of foot stabilizer system 120 corresponds generally to restingalong arch 602 of foot 600 at midfoot region 12. With thisconfiguration, a gap or space between arch 602 and foot stabilizersystem 120 may be closed by tightening lace 500 and a customized fit maybe provided to a wearer. In some embodiments, lace 500 may exert anupward force on one or more of the plurality of strap members 200associated with forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and/or heelregion 14. In different embodiments, foot stabilizer system 120 maytighten around and/or conform to the shape of foot 600 at one orportions of foot 600, including forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12,and/or heel region 14. In other embodiments, foot stabilizer system 120and/or plurality of strap members 200 may tighten around and/or conformto the shape of foot 600 on one or both of lateral side 16 and medialside 18.

FIGS. 8 through 10 illustrate a cross-sectional view of an exemplaryembodiment of article of footwear 100 incorporating decoupled footstabilizer system 120. As shown in FIG. 8, bootie 122 may be disposedwithin the interior of upper 110. In this embodiment, fifth strap member218 and a corresponding strap member on the opposing side are disposedbetween bootie 122 and upper 110. In some embodiments, strap members mayextend out from the interior of upper 110 through one or more openings.As shown in FIG. 8, fifth strap member 218 and the corresponding strapmember on the opposing side may extend out from the interior of article100 through plurality of openings 116 in upper 110.

In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 120 may be attached to baseportion 130. In this embodiment, foot stabilizer system 120, includingbootie 122 and plurality of strap members 200, may be secured to baseportion 130 along central attachment portion 131. In this embodiment,central attachment portion 131 extends through bootie 122, plurality ofstrap members 200, and base portion 130. In different embodiments, otherattachment portions may be included to secure foot stabilizer system 120to base portion, as described herein. In one embodiment, upper 110 maybe secured to base portion 130. In this embodiment, upper 110 may beattached to base portion 130 along an outer periphery of base portion130. In an exemplary embodiment, base portion 130 may be secured to solestructure 140. In some cases, sole structure may include one or more ofan insole, midsole, and/or outsole.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a cross-sectional view of an exemplaryembodiment of article of footwear 100 including decoupled footstabilizer system 120 is shown with a foot 600 of a wearer disposedwithin. In some embodiments, bootie 122 may have one or more ofplurality of strap members 200 disposed on an outside surface thattogether with bootie 122 surround and substantially conform to the shapeof foot 600. In an exemplary embodiment, foot stabilizer system 120 maybe decoupled from base portion 130 at midfoot region 12. In differentembodiments, various portions of foot stabilizer system 120 may bedecoupled from base portion 130 in one or more of forefoot region 10,midfoot region 12, and/or heel region 14.

As shown in FIG. 9, the decoupling of foot stabilizer system 120 frombase portion 130 at midfoot region 12 may allow foot 600 to have adegree of freedom of motion relative to article 100. In some cases, thedecoupling of foot stabilizer system 120 may assist a wearer with achange in the direction of travel, including by “cutting” quickly to oneside. For example, a wearer may cut to the right by pushing hard on hisleft foot.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 9 in the case where a wearer is making a cutting move. In thisexemplary embodiment, foot stabilizer system 120 is decoupled from baseportion 130 at midfoot region 12. In this embodiment, bootie 122, fifthstrap member 218 and a corresponding strap member on the opposing sidemay stabilize foot 600 within upper 110 during lateral movements. Withthis configuration, foot 600 may rotate inward towards medial side 18when a wearer makes a cut to his right.

As shown in FIG. 10, foot stabilizer system 120 may allow foot 600 tohave freedom of motion to rotate towards medial side 18, while keepingsole structure 140 of article 100 in contact with the ground. In anexemplary embodiment, central attachment portion 131 may providedecoupling to foot stabilizer system 120 such that foot stabilizersystem 120 may move a second height H2 relative to interior of article100 when a wearer makes a lateral cutting move. In various embodiments,second height H2 may be larger or smaller in correspondence to theproximity of the attachment area to the outer periphery of article 100.In this embodiment, second height H2 may be larger than otherembodiments where central attachment portion 131 has a larger widthand/or where wider attachment areas are used to secure foot stabilizersystem 120 and base portion 130, including, but not limited to ahorseshoe shaped attachment area and/or an hourglass shaped attachmentarea, described below.

In other embodiments, one or more portions of foot stabilizer system 120may provide additional stability for making lateral movements. In somecases, raised toe portion 206 and/or heel counter 204 may providesupport to foot 600 of a wearer during cutting movements. In othercases, foot stabilizer system 120 and/or one or more of raised toeportion 206 and heel counter 204 may provide stability to foot 600during other movements, including, but not limited to: moving in aforward or rearward direction, running, jumping and other athleticmovements.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate comparative views of lateral stabilitybetween a conventional article of footwear and an article of footwearwith a foot stabilizer system according to the present embodimentsdescribed herein. Referring now to FIG. 11, a conventional article offootwear 101 is illustrated being worn on a foot 600 of a wearer. As thewearer makes a lateral movement, foot 600 shifts within conventionalarticle 101, forming a bulge on one side of an upper 111 of conventionalarticle 101. Additionally, the lateral movement by the wearer may causean outsole 141 of conventional article 101 to become displaced fromcontact with a ground surface. As shown in FIG. 11, the lateral movementof foot 600 within conventional article 101 may cause outsole 141 tolift a height H6 from the ground surface on one side of conventionalarticle 101. Accordingly, during lateral movements, conventional article101 may not provide sufficient lateral stability to foot 600 of awearer.

Referring now to FIG. 12, an exemplary embodiment of an article offootwear 100 including a foot stabilizer system is illustrated beingwork on foot 600 of a wearer. In this embodiment, article 100 is theexemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10 and described above. It shouldbe understood, however, that other exemplary embodiments of articles offootwear including foot stabilizer systems described herein may providesubstantially similar lateral stability as illustrated with respect toarticle 100 in FIG. 12.

In this embodiment, article 100 includes a foot stabilizer systemcomprising bootie 122 and strap members 200, as described above. Foot600 of a wearer is supported by bootie 122 and strap members 200 withinupper 110 of article 100. Additionally, as described above, the footstabilizer system is attached to base portion 130 at a centralattachment portion. With this arrangement, article 100 may allow foot600 of a wearer to remain substantially parallel to a ground surfacewhen the wearer is making a lateral movement. As shown in FIG. 12, thefoot stabilizer system inside upper 110 provides support and lateralstability to foot 600 to prevent foot 600 from bulging out on one sideof article 100. In addition, in contrast with conventional article 101shown in FIG. 11, the foot stabilizer system of article 100 allows solestructure 140 to remain substantially in contact with the groundsurface. As a result, article 100 does not lift above the ground surfaceto a height H6 as in the case with conventional article 101. With thisarrangement, article 100 provides lateral stability to foot 600 of awearer during lateral movements.

FIGS. 13 through 18 illustrate an alternate exemplary embodiment of anarticle of footwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system 120. Insome embodiments, one or more components associated with an article offootwear may be configured for various sports and/or activities. In anexemplary embodiment, an article of footwear including a decoupled footstabilizer system may be configured for running. FIG. 13 illustrates anexploded view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of an article offootwear 1100. In this embodiment, article 1100 may include a decoupledfoot stabilizer system 1120. In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system1120 may include a sock liner 1122. In an exemplary embodiment, sockliner 1122 may be similar to bootie 122 described above. In oneembodiment, sock liner 1122 may be configured to extend to a heightbelow an ankle of a wearer. In an exemplary embodiment, sock liner 1122may be made of a lightweight elastic material. In other embodiments,sock liner 1122 may be made of any suitable material, including any oneor more materials described above for bootie 122.

In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 1120 may include a strapsystem 1124. In an exemplary embodiment, strap system 1124 may besimilar to plurality of strap members 200 described above. In oneembodiment, strap system 1124 may be associated with only midfoot region12 of article 1100. In other embodiments, strap system 1124 may beassociated with additional portions of article 1100, including forefootregion 10 and/or heel region 14. In this embodiment, strap system 1124may include one or more strap members 1126. In an exemplary embodiment,strap members 1126 may be configured to provide stability and/or supportto foot stabilizer system 1120. In some embodiments, strap members 1126may have a triangular shape. In an exemplary embodiment, strap members1126 having a triangular shape may be configured to distribute the loadassociated with supporting a foot of a wearer. In other embodiments,strap members 1126 may have other shapes, including a substantiallysimilar shape as plurality of strap members 200 described above.

In an exemplary embodiment, strap members 1126 may be configured tosupport an arch of a foot of a wearer. In one embodiment, strap system1124 may include a number of strap members 1126 on opposite sides. In anexemplary embodiment, strap members 1126 may be positioned on a lateralside and a medial side of foot stabilizer system 1120. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 13, foot stabilizer system 1120 may include strap system1124 having four strap members 1126 disposed over an outside surface ofsock liner 1122. In other embodiments, foot stabilizer system 1120 mayinclude strap system 1124 having more or less strap members.

In some embodiments, strap members 1126 may be attached to sock liner1122. In some cases, strap members 1126 may be attached to sock liner1122 on an underside of sock liner 1122. In other cases, strap members1126 additionally may be attached to a portion of a side of sock liner1122. In one embodiment, strap members 1126 may be attached to anunderside of sock liner 1122 and unattached on the sides of sock liner1122 to provide freedom of motion for strap system 1124 relative to sockliner 1122. With this arrangement, foot stabilizer system 1120 may beconfigured to provide a customized fit to a foot of a wearer. Indifferent embodiments, strap members 1126 may be attached to each otherand/or attached to sock liner 1122 using a various attachmentmechanisms, including, but not limited to: adhesive, stitching, andother methods of fixed attachment. In other embodiments, a removableattachment mechanism may be used, including, but not limited to: hookand loop fasteners and other methods of removable attachment.

In some embodiments, article 1100 may include an upper 1110. Generally,upper 1110 provides a covering for the foot that comfortably receivesand securely positions the foot with respect to a sole structure 1140.In some embodiments, upper 1110 may be configured to be lightweight. Inone exemplary embodiment, upper 1110 may have material removed fromportions of upper to provide a “skeletonized” upper 1110. In currentembodiment shown in FIG. 13, upper 1110 may include one or more portionswhere material has been removed forming gaps or cut-outs 1114. With thisarrangement, plurality of gaps or cut-outs 1114 in upper 1110 may allowupper 1110 to be lightweight. In other embodiments, portions of upper1110, including one or more of plurality of gaps or cut-outs 1114 inupper 1110, may include a layer of mesh material or other suitablelightweight and/or elastic material. In some cases, one or more portionsof an upper, including one or more gaps or cut-outs, may be made of thematerial disclosed in copending and commonly owned U.S. PatentApplication Publication 2010/0199406, currently U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/367,274, entitled “Thermoplastic Non-Woven TextileElements”, and filed on Feb. 6, 2009, which application is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, upper 1110 may include one or more lacing strapmembers 1112. In this embodiment, plurality of lacing strap members 1112may be provided on upper 1110 in an area corresponding generally to alacing area of article 1100. In one embodiment, the distal ends oflacing strap members 1112 may be provided with a mechanism for receivinga lace. With this arrangement, a lace or similar structure may beprovided to tighten article 1100 around a foot of a wearer. In anexemplary embodiment, plurality of lacing strap members 1112 may have asubstantially similar shape as strap members 1126 of strap system 1124.In one embodiment, plurality of lacing strap members 1112 may have atriangular shape. In some cases, the triangular shape of plurality oflacing strap members 1112 may be configured to assist foot stabilizersystem 1120 with distributing the load associated with supporting a footof a wearer. In other embodiments, plurality of lacing strap members1112 may have other shapes, including any shape associated withplurality of strap members 200 described above.

In some embodiments, article 1100 may include sole structure 1140. Solestructure 1140 may be generally positioned between a foot of a wearerand the ground. In some embodiments, sole structure 1140 may include oneor more of an outsole, a midsole, a single piece sole, and/or any numberof additional components associated with a conventional sole. In anexemplary embodiment, sole structure 1140 may include an articulatedsole structure for engaging with the ground. While FIGS. 13 through 17illustrate sole structure 1140 having an articulated sole structure, itshould be understood that article 1100 may include any conventional typeof sole structure 1140. Additionally, sole structure 1140 may optionallyinclude one or more tread elements as described herein or known in theart.

In some embodiments, article 1100 may include a base portion 1130. Baseportion 1130 may be generally positioned between the foot of a wearerand sole structure 1140. In some embodiments, base portion 1130 may besecured to a lower portion of upper 1110 and an upper portion of solestructure 1140. In this embodiment, base portion 1130 may be secured toa lower portion of upper 1110 along an outer periphery 1132.Additionally, in this embodiment, base portion 1130 may be secured to atop surface 1142 of sole structure 1140. In different embodiments, baseportion 1130 may include one or more of a midsole, strobel, and/or aportion of upper 1110 that is configured to be attached to solestructure 1140.

In some embodiments, base portion 1130 may be disposed between footstabilizer system 1120 and sole structure 1140. In one embodiment, footstabilizer system 1120 may be secured to base portion 1130. In anexemplary embodiment, foot stabilizer system 1120 may be secured to baseportion 1130 in a manner such that foot stabilizer system 1120 isselectively decoupled from one or more portions of article 1100. Indifferent embodiments, foot stabilizer system 1120 may be decoupled frombase portion 1130 using various attachment portions as described herein.In one embodiment, foot stabilizer system 1120 may be attached to baseportion 1130 using a similar arrangement as described above in regard tofoot stabilizer system 120 and base portion 130. In other embodiments,foot stabilizer system 1120 may be attached to base portion 1130 using ahorseshoe or hourglass shaped attachment portion, as more fullydescribed in the embodiments below.

FIG. 14 illustrates alternate exemplary embodiment of article 1100assembled with decoupled foot stabilizer system 1120. In thisembodiment, skeletonized upper 1110 may be disposed over foot stabilizersystem 1120, including sock liner 1122 and strap system 1124. As shownin FIG. 14, one or more portions of skeletonized upper 1110 may beremoved such that sock liner 1122 is exposed. In one embodiment, aportion of upper 1110 associated with forefoot region 10 and extendingover a top of article 1100 into midfoot region 12 may be removed toexpose sock liner 1122. Additionally, as shown in this embodiment, upper1110 may include a number of gaps or cut-outs 1114 disposed on lateralside 16 of article 1100 such that strap system 1124 is exposed. Itshould be understood that article 1100 may include a similar arrangementon medial side 18 of upper 1110. In other embodiments, gaps or cut-outs1114 may include a mesh material or other suitable material to provideprotection to a foot of a wearer from debris that may enter intointerior of article 1100 through gaps or cut-outs 1114.

In some embodiments, one or more portions of upper 1110 may be securedto portions of foot stabilizer system 1120. In an exemplary embodiment,portions of upper 1110 and sock liner 1122 may be securely attached atforefoot region 10 and/or heel region 14 of article 1100. In oneembodiment, upper 1110 and sock liner 1122 may be attached by stitchingat one or more portions located at forefoot region 10 and/or heel region14 of article 1100. Referring now to FIG. 15, lateral side 16 of article1100 is illustrated, including upper 1110 and foot stabilizer system1120. In this embodiment, sock liner 1122 may be attached to upper 1110at heel region 14 at a first upper heel attachment portion 1300. In somecases, first upper heel attachment portion 1300 may extend a lengthalong a top portion of upper 1110 and sock liner 1122 sufficient tosecurely attach upper 1110 and sock liner 1122 at an area adjacent to athroat opening 1200 of article 1100. In some embodiments, sock liner1122 also may be attached to upper 1110 at forefoot region 10 at a firstupper forefoot attachment portion 1302. In some cases, first upperforefoot attachment portion 1302 may extend a length along a top portionof upper 1110 and sock liner 1122 sufficient to securely attach upper1110 and sock liner 1122 at an area corresponding to the toes of a footof a wearer.

Referring now to FIG. 16, medial side 18 of article 1100 is illustrated,including upper 1110 and foot stabilizer system 1120. In thisembodiment, sock liner 1122 may be attached to upper 1110 at heel region14 at a second upper heel attachment portion 1400. In some cases, secondupper heel attachment portion 1400 may extend a length along a topportion of upper 1110 and sock liner 1122 sufficient to securely attachupper 1110 and sock liner 1122 at an area adjacent to a throat opening1200 of article 1100. In other cases, second upper heel attachmentportion 1400 and first upper heel attachment portion 1300 may eachextend a length on medial side 18 and lateral side 16, respectively, soas to be substantially continuous around heel region 14.

In some embodiments, sock liner 1122 also may be attached to upper 1110at forefoot region 10 at a second upper forefoot attachment portion1402. In some cases, second upper forefoot attachment portion 1402 mayextend a length along a top portion of upper 1110 and sock liner 1122sufficient to securely attach upper 1110 and sock liner 1122 at an areacorresponding to the toes of a foot of a wearer. In other cases, secondupper forefoot attachment portion 1402 and first upper forefootattachment portion 1302 may each extend a length on medial side 18 andlateral side 16, respectively, so as to be substantially continuousaround forefoot region 10.

In the current embodiment shown in FIG. 16, second upper forefootattachment portion 1402 may further extend in a downward directiontoward sole structure 1140. In some embodiments, upper 1110 may includea discontinuous portion corresponding to an area associated with thetoes of a wearer. In this embodiment, second upper forefoot attachmentportion 1402 may secure a front edge of the discontinuous portion ofupper 1110 to sock liner 1122. In an exemplary embodiment, sock liner1122 also may be attached to upper 1110 at forefoot region 10 at a thirdupper forefoot attachment portion 1404. In some cases, third upperforefoot attachment portion 1404 may extend a length along a rear edgeof the discontinuous portion of upper 1110 from an area adjacent to solestructure 1140 towards midfoot region 12 of article 1100. In thisembodiment, third upper forefoot attachment portion extends a lengthsufficient to securely attach upper 1110 and sock liner 1122 at an areacorresponding to the toes of a foot of a wearer. With this arrangement,discontinuous portion of upper 1110 bounded by second upper forefootattachment portion 1402 on the front edge and third upper forefootattachment portion 1404 on the rear edge may be configured to allowgreater bending of article 1100 at an area associated with the toes of awearer. In other embodiments, discontinuous portion of upper 1110 may beomitted and upper 1110 on medial side 18 may be similar to upper 1110 onlateral side 16.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a front view of alternate exemplary embodimentof article 1100 is illustrated. In some embodiments, one or moreportions of foot stabilizer system 1120 and upper 1110 may be releasablyattached at one or more regions of article 1100. In one embodiment,portions of foot stabilizer system 1120 and upper 1110 associated withmidfoot region 12 of article 1100 may be configured to be releasablyattached using a lace 1500. In this embodiment, one or more strapmembers of strap system 1124 of foot stabilizer system 1120 may beassociated with one or more lacing strap members of upper 1110 in alacing area 1510 of article 1100. With this arrangement, lace 1500 maybe run through one or more strap members of strap system 1124 and/orlacing strap members of upper 1110 to releasably attach foot stabilizersystem 1120 and upper 1110 at lacing area 1510.

In one embodiment, lacing area 1510 may include alternating strapmembers associated with each of strap system 1124 and upper 1110. Inthis embodiment, lacing area 1510 may include a first strap member 1520and a second strap member 1522 associated with strap system 1124 of footstabilizer system 1120 on lateral side 16 of article 1100. Lacing area1510 may also include a first lacing strap member 1530, a second lacingstrap member 1532, and/or a third lacing strap member 1534 associatedwith upper 1110 on lateral side 16 of article 1100. Similarly, medialside 18 may include a third strap member 1524 and a fourth strap member1526 associated with strap system 1124 of foot stabilizer system 1120and a fourth lacing strap member 1536, a fifth lacing strap member 1538,and/or a sixth lacing strap member 1540 associated with upper 1110.

FIG. 18 illustrates a close up view of lacing area 1510. In thisembodiment, lace 1500 may be configured to run through lacing holesdisposed at the distal ends of the strap members associated with strapsystem 1124 and the lacing strap members associated with upper 1110. Asshown in FIG. 18, first strap member 1520 may include a first lacinghole 1600. Similarly, second strap member 1522, third strap member 1524,and/or fourth strap member 1526 may include, respectively, a secondlacing hole 1602, a third lacing hole 1604, and/or a fourth lacing hole1606. Lacing strap members associated with upper 1110 also may alsoinclude a fifth lacing hole 1610 disposed at the distal end of firstlacing strap member 1530, a sixth lacing hole 1612 disposed at thedistal end of second lacing strap member 1532. In addition, each ofthird lacing strap member 1534, fourth lacing strap member 1536, fifthlacing strap member 1538, and sixth lacing strap member 1540, mayinclude, respectively, a seventh lacing hole 1614, an eighth lacing hole1616, a ninth lacing hole 1618, and a tenth lacing hole 1620.

In an exemplary embodiment, foot stabilizer system 1120 may beconfigured to be releasably attached to upper 1110 at lacing area 1510by interdigitating lace 1500 through alternating lacing holes associatedwith each of strap system 1124 and upper 1110. In the currentembodiment, starting from the top of lacing area 1510 on medial side 18,lace 1500 alternately runs through eighth lacing hole 1616 associatedwith fourth lacing strap member 1536, first lacing hole 1600 associatedwith first strap member 1520, ninth lacing hole 1618 associated withfifth lacing strap member 1538, second lacing hole 1602 associated withsecond strap member 1522, tenth lacing hole 1620 associated with sixthlacing strap member 1540, and continuing in a similar manner until lace1500 runs through fifth lacing hole 1610 associated with first lacingstrap member 1530 on lateral side 16. It should be understood that thelacing order illustrated in FIG. 18 is merely exemplary and the exactorder of alternating lacing holes used to interdigitate foot stabilizersystem 1120 and upper 1110 may vary.

FIGS. 19 through 27 illustrate an alternate exemplary embodiment of anarticle of footwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system. Insome embodiments, one or more components associated with an article offootwear may be configured for various sports and/or activities. In anexemplary embodiment, an article of footwear including a decoupled footstabilizer system may be configured for soccer, football, baseball orother sports using footwear with ground-engaging elements. FIG. 19illustrates an exploded view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of anarticle of footwear 1700. In this embodiment, article 1700 may include adecoupled foot stabilizer system 1720. In this embodiment, footstabilizer system 1720 does not include a separate bootie or sock linercomponent, as included in previous embodiments. It should be understood,however, that foot stabilizer system 1720 may optionally include abootie and/or sock liner. In one embodiment, foot stabilizer system 1720may be configured to extend to a height below an ankle of a wearer.

In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 1720 may include a strapsystem 1722. In an exemplary embodiment, strap system 1722 may include aplurality of strap members 1726. In an exemplary embodiment, pluralityof strap members 1726 may be configured to provide stability and/orsupport to foot stabilizer system 1720. In one embodiment, strap members1726 may have a triangular shape. In an exemplary embodiment, strapmembers 1726 having a triangular shape may be configured to distributethe load associated with supporting a foot of a wearer. In otherembodiments, strap members 1726 may have other shapes, including asubstantially similar shape as plurality of strap members 200 describedabove.

In an exemplary embodiment, strap members 1726 may be configured tosupport a foot of a wearer. In one embodiment, strap system 1722 mayinclude a number of plurality of strap members 1726 on opposite sides.In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of strap members 1726 may bepositioned on a lateral side and a medial side of foot stabilizer system1720. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, foot stabilizer system 1720may include strap system 1722 having six strap members 1726 disposed oneach side of article 1700. In other embodiments, foot stabilizer system1720 may include strap system 1722 having more or less strap members1726.

In some embodiments, plurality of strap members 1726 may be connected toeach other using a webbing material 1724. Webbing material 1724 may besubstantially similar to webbing 202 described above. As shown in FIG.19, webbing material 1724 may connect plurality of strap members 1726along the sides of foot stabilizer system 1720. In some cases, webbingmaterial 1724 may be disposed between fewer strap members. In othercases, webbing material 1724 may be disposed between two or more strapmembers on a single side of foot stabilizer system 1720. In differentembodiments, webbing material 1724 may be disposed between two or morestrap members associated with one or more of forefoot region 10, midfootregion 12, and heel region 14 of article 1700.

In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 1720 may include componentsconfigured to protect and/or provide stability and support to variousportions of a foot of a wearer. In some embodiments, foot stabilizersystem 1720 may include one or more components associated with the toesof a foot of a wearer. In an exemplary embodiment, strap system 1722 mayinclude a covered toe portion 1728. Covered toe portion 1728 may bedisposed in an area of forefoot region 10 that generally corresponds tothe toes of a wearer. Covered toe portion 1728 may be shaped to engageand stabilize the front of the wearer's foot including the toes. In someembodiments, covered toe portion 1728 also may be shaped to cover andenclose at least a portion of the wearer's toes. In some embodiments,covered toe portion 1728 may be sized and dimensioned so as to extend aheight and a width sufficient to support and/or protect the toes of awearer. Covered toe portion 1728 may be formed integrally with one ormore strap members located on a lateral side and/or a medial side. Insome embodiments, covered toe portion 1728 may extend along forefootregion 10 between strap members on opposing sides of strap system 1722.In some cases, covered toe portion 1728 may extend along a portion of anouter periphery of foot stabilizer system 1720. In other cases, coveredtoe portion 1728 also may extend over a portion of bottom surface offoot stabilizer system 1720 in forefoot region 10.

In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 1720 may include one or morecomponents associated with the heel of a foot of a wearer. In someembodiments, strap system 1722 may include a heel counter formed by apair of strap members disposed on either side of foot stabilizer system1720. In an exemplary embodiment, the heel counter may be substantiallysimilar to heel counter 204 disclosed above.

In some embodiments, article 1700 may include an upper 1710. Generally,upper 1710 provides a covering for the foot that comfortably receivesand securely positions the foot with respect to a sole structure 1730.In some embodiments, one or more portions of upper 1710 may beconfigured to fold under the top of upper 1710 to provide a surface forattaching to sole structure 1730. In exemplary embodiment, upper 1710may be provided with extra material on a medial side and a lateral sidefor forming a bottom surface to be secured to sole structure 1730. Inone embodiment, upper 1710 may include a first folding portion 1712 anda second folding portion 1714 located at the bottom of opposing sides ofupper 1710. In this embodiment, each of first folding portion 1712 andsecond folding portion 1714 may be folded along an outer periphery 1716of upper 1710 to form a bottom surface and enclose upper 1710.

In some embodiments, upper 1710 may include a plurality of openings 1718for receiving the distal ends of plurality of strap members 1726. Insome embodiments, lacing holes associated with the distal ends ofplurality of strap members 1726 of foot stabilizer system 1720 mayextend out from the interior of article of footwear 1700 throughplurality of openings 1718 in upper 1710. In an exemplary embodiment,plurality of openings 1718 may include slits. In other embodiments,plurality of openings 1718 may be any type of opening in upper 1710 thatallows plurality of strap members 1726 to extend out from the interiorof article 1700.

In some embodiments, article 1700 may include sole structure 1730. Solestructure 1730 may be generally positioned between a foot of a wearerand the ground. In some embodiments, sole structure 1730 may include oneor more of an outsole, a midsole, a single piece sole, and/or any numberof additional components associated with a conventional sole. In otherembodiments, sole structure 1730 may include one or more tread elementsfor engaging with the ground. In some embodiments, sole structure 1730may include one or more components. In one embodiment, sole structure1730 may include an outsole 1734. Outsole 1734 may be any conventionaloutsole used with an article of footwear. In an exemplary embodiment,outsole 1734 of sole structure 1730 may include one or more treadelements 1736 for engaging with the ground. Tread elements 1736 may beany conventional tread elements used with an article of footwear,including, but not limited to a cleat. In other embodiments, solestructure 1730 may not include tread elements 1736. While FIGS. 19through 27 illustrate sole structure 1730 having one or more treadelements, including a cleat, it should be understood that article 1700may include sole structure 1730 as described herein without limitationto any specific type of tread element.

In some embodiments, sole structure 1730 may optionally include a heelcup 1738. In an exemplary embodiment, heel cup 1738 may be made of arigid material to firmly support the heel of a foot of a wearer.

Referring now to FIG. 20, in this embodiment, first folding portion 1712and second folding portion 1714 of upper 1710 may be folded underarticle 1700 so as to enclose foot stabilizer system 1720 within theinterior of upper 1710. In some embodiments, first folding portion 1712and second folding portion 1714 of upper 1710 may be attached underneathupper 1710 to form a bottom surface. With this arrangement, bottomsurface may serve a substantially similar function as base portion 130and/or base portion 1130, described above. In an exemplary embodiment,bottom surface formed by first folding portion 1712 and second foldingportion 1714 may be secured to a top surface 1732 of sole structure1730. In different embodiments, bottom surface of upper 1710 may includeone or more of a midsole and/or strobel, as described above.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exploded view of the bottom surface of upper1710. In some embodiments, first folding portion 1712 and second foldingportion 1714 of upper 1710 may be joined along a center seam 1711 toform the bottom surface. Similarly, first folding portion 1712 andsecond folding portion 1714 may also be joined along a toe seam 1713 anda heel seam 1715. Using center seam 1711, toe seam 1713, and/or heelseam 1715, first folding portion 1712 and second folding portion 1714may enclose upper 1710 around foot stabilizer system 1720. With thisarrangement, the bottom surface may serve a substantially similarfunction as base portion 130 and/or base portion 1130, described above.Bottom surface of upper 1710 may be generally positioned between thefoot of a wearer and sole structure 1730. In some embodiments, thebottom surface of upper 1710 may be secured to a top surface 1732 ofsole structure 1730.

In some embodiments, bottom surface of upper 1710 may be disposedbetween foot stabilizer system 1720 and sole structure 1730. In oneembodiment, foot stabilizer system 1720 may be secured to bottom surfaceof upper 1710. In an exemplary embodiment, foot stabilizer system 1720may be secured to bottom surface of upper 1710 in a manner such thatfoot stabilizer system 1720 is selectively decoupled from one or moreportions of article 1700. In different embodiments, foot stabilizersystem 1720 may be decoupled from bottom surface of upper 1710 usingvarious attachment portions as described herein.

In an exemplary embodiment, foot stabilizer system 1720 may be securedto bottom surface of upper 1710 using a horseshoe shaped attachmentarea. As shown in FIG. 21, a horseshoe shaped attachment area may bedefined by a first horseshoe attachment portion 1900 on a lateral sideand a second horseshoe attachment portion 1902 on a medial side. In thisembodiment, first horseshoe attachment portion 1900 and second horseshoeattachment portion 1902 may selectively decouple portions of footstabilizer system 1720 from bottom surface of upper 1710. In oneembodiment, each of first horseshoe attachment portion 1900 and/orsecond horseshoe attachment portion 1902 may start and terminateadjacent to outer periphery 1716 of upper 1710. In an exemplaryembodiment, first horseshoe attachment portion 1900 and/or secondhorseshoe attachment portion 1902 may start and terminate adjacent toouter periphery 1716 associated with forefoot region 10 and/or heelregion 14. As first horseshoe attachment portion 1900 and/or secondhorseshoe attachment portion 1902 extends through midfoot region 12,each of first horseshoe attachment portion 1900 and/or second horseshoeattachment portion 1902 is located closer to center seam 1711. With thisarrangement, foot stabilizer system 1720 may be selectively decoupledfrom article 1700 at midfoot region 12.

FIG. 22 illustrates a close up view of the horseshoe shaped attachmentarea of FIG. 21. In this embodiment, second horseshoe attachment portion1902 may be located a first distance D1 from center seam 1711 at alocation adjacent to forefoot region 10. In an exemplary embodiment,second horseshoe attachment portion 1902 at center of midfoot region 12may be located a second distance D2 from center seam 1711. In thisembodiment, second distance D2 may be smaller than first distance D1.Additionally, as shown in this embodiment, outer periphery 1716 may belocated a third distance D3 from center seam 1711. In an exemplaryembodiment, second distance D2 may be substantially smaller than thirddistance D3. In one embodiment, first distance D1 also may besubstantially smaller than third distance D3. With this arrangement,foot stabilizer system 1720 may be selectively decoupled from article1700 at widths corresponding to the difference between third distance D3associated with bottom surface of upper 1711 and each of first distanceD1 and second distance D2 associated with the horseshoe shapedattachment area of foot stabilizer system 1720. It should be understoodthat a corresponding arrangement may be provided with regard to firsthorseshoe attachment portion 1900.

Referring now to FIG. 23, foot stabilizer system 1720 is illustratedselectively decoupled from upper 1710. In some embodiments, bottomsurface of upper 1710 may be secured to top surface 1732 of solestructure 1730. Top surface 1732 may be configured to attach bottomsurface to sole structure 1730 using adhesive. In other embodiments,bottom surface of upper 1710 may be attached to top surface 1732 of solestructure 1730 using any suitable attachment mechanism, including, butnot limited to one or more of adhesive, heat, pressure, stitching, andother methods of attachment.

FIG. 24 illustrates an assembled alternate exemplary embodiment ofarticle 1700 including decoupled foot stabilizer system 1720. In thisembodiment, plurality of strap members 1726 may extend out from interiorof article 1700 through openings 1718 in upper 1710. In someembodiments, each plurality of strap members 1726 may include a lacinghole at the distal end for receiving a lace. In this exemplaryembodiment, the lacing hole is a tab formed by attaching a folded overend of the strap member to itself. In different embodiments, theplurality of strap members may include lacing holes as discussed above.

In some embodiments, article of footwear 1700 may include a lace (notshown). In some embodiments, lace may run through plurality of tabs atthe distal ends of the plurality of strap members 1726 extending outthrough the openings 1718 in upper 1710. In an exemplary embodiment, thelace allows article of footwear 1700 to tighten around the foot of awearer. In other embodiments, the lace may allow one or more ofplurality of strap members 1726 to conform foot stabilizer system 1720to a portion of the wearer's foot. In different embodiments, a lace maybe used as described above to tighten foot stabilizer system 1720against a foot of a wearer.

FIGS. 25 through 27 illustrate a cross-sectional view of an alternateexemplary embodiment of article of footwear 1700 incorporating decoupledfoot stabilizer system 1720. As shown in FIG. 25, strap system 1722 offoot stabilizer system 1720 may be disposed within the interior of upper1710. In this embodiment, plurality of strap members 1726 on opposingsides of article 1700 are disposed within the interior of upper 1710. Insome embodiments, plurality of strap members 1726 may extend out fromthe interior of upper 1710 through openings 1718. Additionally, thedistal ends of plurality of strap members 1726 may be associated withtabs 2300 formed by attaching a folded over end of each of plurality ofstrap members 1726 to itself. In an exemplary embodiment, tabs 2300 maybe configured to receive a lace for tightening article 1700.

In some embodiments, strap system 1722 of foot stabilizer system 1720may be attached to a bottom surface formed by first folding portion 1712and second folding portion 1714 of upper 1710 joined along a center seam1711. In this embodiment, foot stabilizer system 1720, including strapsystem 1722 and plurality of strap members 1726, may be secured tobottom surface along a horseshoe shaped attachment area formed by firsthorseshoe attachment portion 1900 and second horseshoe attachmentportion 1902, as described above. In this embodiment, first horseshoeattachment portion 1900 extends through strap system 1722 and firstfolding portion 1712 of upper 1710 forming part of bottom surface.Similarly, second horseshoe attachment portion 1902 extends throughstrap system 1722 and second folding portion 1714 of upper 1710 formingpart of bottom surface. In different embodiments, other attachment areasand/or attachment portions may be included to secure foot stabilizersystem 1720 to a bottom surface of upper 1710 or a base portion, asdescribed herein. In an exemplary embodiment, bottom surface of upper1710 may be secured to sole structure 1730. In some cases, solestructure 1730 may include one or more of an insole, midsole, and/oroutsole.

Referring now to FIG. 26, a cross-sectional view of an exemplaryembodiment of article of footwear 1700 including decoupled footstabilizer system 1720 is shown with foot 600 of a wearer disposedwithin. In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 1720 may have one ormore of plurality of strap members 1726 that surround and substantiallyconform to the shape of foot 600. In an exemplary embodiment, footstabilizer system 1720 may be decoupled from bottom surface of upper1710 at midfoot region 12. In different embodiments, various portions offoot stabilizer system 1720 may be decoupled from bottom surface ofupper 1710 in one or more of forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12,and/or heel region 14.

As shown in FIG. 26, the decoupling of foot stabilizer system 1720 frombottom surface of upper 1710 at midfoot region 12 may allow foot 600 tohave a degree of freedom of motion relative to article 1700. In somecases, the decoupling of foot stabilizer system 1720 may assist a wearerwith a change in the direction of travel, including by “cutting” quicklyto one side. For example, a wearer may cut to the right by pushing hardon his left foot.

FIG. 27 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 26 in the case where a wearer is making a cutting move. In thisexemplary embodiment, foot stabilizer system 1720 is decoupled frombottom surface of upper 1710 at midfoot region 12. In this embodiment,plurality of strap members 1726 on opposing sides of article 1700 maystabilize foot 600 within upper 1710 during lateral movements. With thisconfiguration, foot 600 may rotate inward towards medial side 18 when awearer makes a cut to his right.

As shown in FIG. 27, foot stabilizer system 1720 may allow foot 600 tohave freedom of motion to rotate towards medial side 18, while keepingsole structure 1730 of article 1700 in contact with the ground. In anexemplary embodiment, horseshoe shaped attachment area formed by firsthorseshoe attachment portion 1900 and second horseshoe attachmentportion 1902 may provide decoupling to foot stabilizer system 1720 suchthat foot stabilizer system 1720 may move a third height H3 relative tointerior of article 1700 when a wearer makes a lateral cutting move. Invarious embodiments, third height H3 may be larger or smaller incorrespondence to the proximity of the attachment area to the outerperiphery of article 1700. In this embodiment, third height H3 may besmaller than other embodiments of attachment areas with a narrowerwidth, including, central attachment portion 131, as described above. Inaddition, in some cases, third height H3 may be larger than otherembodiments where wider attachment areas are used to secure a footstabilizer system.

In other embodiments, one or more portions of foot stabilizer system1720 may provide additional stability for making lateral movements. Insome cases, covered toe portion 1728 may provide support to foot 600 ofa wearer during cutting movements. In other cases, foot stabilizersystem 120 and/or one or more of a raised toe portion and/or a heelcounter, as described above, may provide stability to foot 600 duringother movements, including, but not limited to: moving in a forward orrearward direction, running, jumping and other athletic movements.

FIGS. 28 through 35 illustrate an alternate exemplary embodiment of anarticle of footwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system. Insome embodiments, a foot stabilizer system may be configured for varioussports and/or activities. In an exemplary embodiment, an article offootwear may include a decoupled foot stabilizer system that may beconfigured for tennis or other sports involving frequent lateralmovements. FIG. 28 illustrates an exploded view of an alternateexemplary embodiment of an article of footwear 2600. In this embodiment,article 2600 may include a decoupled foot stabilizer system 2620. Inthis embodiment, foot stabilizer system 2620 includes a partial bootieor sock liner 2622. It should be understood, however, that footstabilizer system 2620 may optionally include a bootie and/or sock lineras described in previous embodiments, or may omit any bootie or sockliner component. In one embodiment, foot stabilizer system 2620 mayinclude a partial bootie 2622 configured to extend over the top of afoot and/or the toes of a wearer, while leaving an ankle of a wearerexposed. In other embodiments, partial bootie 2622 may extend over onlya portion of a wearer's foot and may leave exposed one or more of thetoes, heel, ankle, and any other part of a wearer's foot.

In an exemplary embodiment, partial bootie 2622 may be made from anelastic mesh material. In one exemplary embodiment, partial bootie 2622may be made of an opaque or semi-transparent material. In anotherembodiment, partial bootie 2622 may be made of a lightweight material.In some cases, partial bootie 2622 may be made of a netting material. Indifferent embodiments, partial bootie 2622 may be made from any one or acombination of elastic or stretchable materials, including, but notlimited to: woven synthetic fibers, polyurethane, nylon, cotton,spandex, neoprene, and other natural and synthetic materials. In otherembodiments, partial bootie 2622 may be made of any material used forany upper, bootie, and/or sock liner described herein.

In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 2620 may be disposed in anyone or more of forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and/or heel region14 of a foot of a wearer. In an exemplary embodiment, foot stabilizersystem 2620 may be disposed in only one region and/or a portion of oneregion. In the current embodiment, foot stabilizer system 2620 may bedisposed in midfoot region 12. With this arrangement, foot stabilizersystem 2620 may be configured to provide support and/or stability to anarch of a foot of a wearer. In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system2620 may include a strap system. In various embodiments, the strapsystem may include any strap system described herein. In an exemplaryembodiment, the strap system may include a plurality of strap members2624. In one embodiment, plurality of strap members 2624 may includewoven textile straps. In other embodiments, plurality of strap members2624 may include any strap member of a type and/or material describedherein. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of strap members 2624 maybe configured to distribute the load associated with supporting a footof a wearer.

In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of strap members 2624 may beconfigured to support an arch of a foot of a wearer. In one embodiment,plurality of strap members 2624 may be disposed on opposite sides ofpartial bootie 2622. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of strapmembers 2624 may be positioned on a lateral side and a medial side offoot stabilizer system 2620. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 28, footstabilizer system 2620 may include four strap members 2624 disposed oneach side of article 2600. In other embodiments, foot stabilizer system2620 may include foot stabilizer system 2620 having more or less strapmembers 2624. In addition, while in the current embodiment, plurality ofstrap members 2624 are shown without any connecting material betweeneach of the strap members, it should be understood that in otherembodiments, plurality of strap members 2624 may be connected to eachother using a webbing material that may be substantially similar towebbing 202 described above.

Additionally, in various embodiments, foot stabilizer system 2620 mayoptionally include one or more additional components associated withprevious embodiments of a foot stabilizer system, including, but notlimited to one or more of a raised toe portion, a covered toe portion,and/or a heel counter, as described above.

In some embodiments, article 2600 may include an upper 2610. Generally,upper 2610 provides a covering for the foot that comfortably receivesand securely positions the foot with respect to a sole structure 2640.In some embodiments, upper 2610 may include one or more components.Typically, upper 2610 may be configured to receive a foot of a wearer.In some embodiments, upper 2610 may include an entry hole or throatopening configured to receive a foot of a wearer. With this arrangement,entry hole or throat opening may allow a foot to be inserted into aninterior of article 2600.

In an exemplary embodiment, upper 2610 also may include a tongue area2618. In this embodiment, tongue area 2618 may include a portion ofupper 2610 that may be tightened around a foot of a wearer. In someembodiments, tongue area 2618 may include opposing sides of upper 2610that may be pulled together using laces. In some cases, tongue area 2618may include a tongue 2614. In an exemplary embodiment, tongue 2614 maybe attached to upper 2610 at tongue area 2618, as described below. Inother embodiments, tongue 2614 may be attached to upper 2610 in a manneras described in previous embodiments. In other cases, tongue area 2618may include an elastic or stretchable region of upper 2610.

In some embodiments, article 2600 may include sole structure 2640. Solestructure 2640 may be generally positioned between a foot of a wearerand the ground. In some embodiments, sole structure 2640 may include oneor more of an outsole, a midsole, a single piece sole, and/or any numberof additional components associated with a conventional sole. In anexemplary embodiment, sole structure 2640 may include a cushioned solestructure for engaging with the ground. It should be understood,however, that article 2600 may include any type of sole structure 2640.Additionally, sole structure 2640 may optionally include one or moretread elements as described herein or known in the art.

In some embodiments, article 2600 may include a base portion 2630. Baseportion 2630 may be generally positioned between the foot of a wearerand sole structure 2640. In some embodiments, upper 2610 may beconfigured to be secured to base portion 2630. In an exemplaryembodiment, base portion 2630 may be secured to a lower portion of upper2610. In this embodiment, upper 2610 may be attached to base portion2630 so as to enclose foot stabilizer system 2620 in the interior ofarticle 2600, as shown in FIG. 29. In some cases, upper 2610 and baseportion 2630 may be attached by stitching. In one embodiment, a lowerperiphery 2616 of upper 2610 may be strobel stitched to an outerperiphery 2632 of base portion 2630. In other embodiments, other typesof stitching may be used to attach upper 2610 and base portion 2630. Inother cases, upper 2610 and base portion 2630 may be secured using otherattachment mechanisms, including, but not limited to: adhesive, heatbonding, pressure, and any other method of attachment. In otherembodiments, more or less of upper 2610 may be secured to base portion2630.

In some embodiments, base portion 2630 may be configured to be securedsole structure 2640. In an exemplary embodiment, base portion 2630 maybe secured to an upper portion of sole structure 2640. In thisembodiment, base portion 2630 may be secured to a top surface 2642 ofsole structure 2640. In different embodiments, base portion 2630 mayinclude one or more of a midsole, strobel, and/or a portion of upper2610 that is configured to be attached to sole structure 2640. In anexemplary embodiment, top surface 2642 may be configured to attach baseportion 2630 to sole structure 2640 using adhesive. In otherembodiments, base portion 2630 may be attached to top surface 2642 ofsole structure 2640 using any suitable attachment mechanism, including,but not limited to one or more of adhesive, heat, pressure, stitching,and other methods of attachment.

In some embodiments, base portion 2630 may be disposed between footstabilizer system 2620 and sole structure 2640. As shown in FIG. 29, inone embodiment, foot stabilizer system 2620 may be secured to baseportion 2630. In an exemplary embodiment, foot stabilizer system 2620may be secured to base portion 2630 in a manner such that footstabilizer system 2620 is selectively decoupled from one or moreportions of article 2600. In different embodiments, foot stabilizersystem 2620 may be decoupled from base portion 2630 using variousattachment portions as described herein. In one embodiment, footstabilizer system 2620 may be attached to base portion 2630 using anhourglass shaped attachment portion, as described below. In otherembodiments, foot stabilizer system 2620 may be attached to base portion2630 using a similar arrangement as described in any of the previousembodiments.

FIG. 30 illustrates an exploded view of article 2600 including anunderside of base portion 2630. In some embodiments, foot stabilizersystem 2620 may be secured to base portion 2630 in a manner such thatfoot stabilizer system 2620 is selectively decoupled from one or moreportions of article 2600. In different embodiments, foot stabilizersystem 2620 may be decoupled from base portion 2630 using variousattachment portions as described herein.

In an exemplary embodiment, foot stabilizer system 2620 may be securedto base portion 2630 using an hourglass shaped attachment area. As shownin FIG. 30, an hourglass shaped attachment area may be defined by anhourglass attachment portion 2800 extending around a perimeter of baseportion 2300. In this embodiment, hourglass attachment portion 2800 mayselectively decouple portions of foot stabilizer system 2620 from baseportion 2630. In one embodiment, hourglass attachment portion 2800 mayextend around the perimeter of base portion 2630 at a distance less thanouter periphery 2616 of upper 2610. Additionally, hourglass attachmentportion 2800 extends through midfoot region 12, hourglass attachmentportion 2800 may become narrower, such that in this region hourglassattachment portion 2800 is located farther from outer periphery 2616.With this arrangement, foot stabilizer system 2620 may be selectivelydecoupled from article 2600 at midfoot region 12.

FIG. 31 illustrates a plan view of the hourglass shaped attachment areaof FIG. 30. In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 2620 may beselectively decoupled from a portion of article 2600 in one or moreregions using an hourglass attachment area to secure foot stabilizersystem 2620 to base portion 2630. In an exemplary embodiment, hourglassattachment portion 2800 may be narrower in midfoot region 12 thanforefoot region 10 and/or heel region 14. In this embodiment, hourglassattachment portion 2800 may be located a fourth distance D4 from outerperiphery 2616 of upper 2610 on lateral side 16. Similarly, hourglassattachment portion 2800 may be located a fifth distance D5 from outerperiphery 2616 on medial side 18.

In some embodiments, fourth distance D4 and fifth distance D5 may besubstantially similar. In some cases, fourth distance D4 and/or fifthdistance D5 may be larger or smaller, to increase or decrease,respectively, the decoupling of foot stabilizer system 2620 to baseportion 2630 and/or article 2600. With this arrangement, foot stabilizersystem 2620 may be selectively decoupled at midfoot region 12 of article2600.

In one embodiment, fourth distance D4 may be larger than fifth distanceD5. In other embodiments, fifth distance D5 may be larger than fourthdistance D4. By providing hourglass attachment portion 2800 with one offourth distance D4 and fifth distance D5 that is larger than the other,foot stabilizer system 2620 may be configured to have a greater degreeof decoupling on one of lateral side 16 and medial side 18. For example,in the case where fourth distance D4 of hourglass attachment portion2800 from outer periphery 2616 on lateral side 16 is larger than fifthdistance D5 of hourglass attachment portion 2800 from outer periphery onmedial side 18, foot stabilizer system 2620 may have a greater degree ofdecoupling from article 2600 on lateral side 16. With this arrangement,a foot stabilizer system may be configured with a greater degree ofdecoupling on one of a lateral side and/or medial side for each articlein a pair of footwear. In addition, in some embodiments, an articleincluding a foot stabilizer system with a greater degree of decouplingon one of a lateral side and/or medial side may be configured forvarious sports.

In some embodiments, hourglass attachment portion 2800 may be configuredto be located closer to outer periphery 2616 in one of forefoot region10 and/or heel region 14 than in midfoot region 12. In an exemplaryembodiment, hourglass attachment portion 2800 may be located a sixthdistance D6 from outer periphery 2616 at forefoot region 10. Similarly,in this embodiment, hourglass attachment portion 2800 may be located aseventh distance D7 from outer periphery 2616 at heel region 14. In someembodiments, each of sixth distance D6 and seventh distance D7 may besmaller than fourth distance D4 and/or fifth distance D5 at midfootregion 12. In an exemplary embodiment, each of sixth distance D6 andseventh distance D7 may be substantially smaller than fourth distance D4and/or fifth distance D5. Additionally, in some embodiments, sixthdistance D6 and seventh distance D7 may be substantially similar. Inother embodiments, one of sixth distance D6 and seventh distance D7 maybe larger than the other. With this arrangement, the degree ofdecoupling of foot stabilizer system 2630 from article 2600 in forefootregion 10 and/or heel region 14 may be customized to be greater orsmaller in correspondence to the distance of hourglass attachmentportion from outer periphery 2616 in the respective regions. Further,hourglass attachment portion 2800 in forefoot region 10 and/or heelregion 14 may also be varied in distance between lateral side 16 andmedial side 18 to provide a greater or smaller degree of decoupling offoot stabilizer system 2620 from one side of article 2600, as discussedabove in regard to midfoot region 12.

Referring now to FIG. 32, a cut-away view of article 2600 including footstabilizer system 2620 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 32, footstabilizer system 2620 may be disposed in the interior of article 2600.In some embodiments, one or more portions of foot stabilizer system 2630may be secured to upper 2610. In an exemplary embodiment, partial bootie2622 of foot stabilizer system 2620 may be attached to a portion ofupper 2610 located in the interior of article 2610. In one embodiment,upper 2610 may include a liner fabric 2612 or similar material disposedon an interior surface of upper 2610. In an exemplary embodiment,partial bootie 2622 may be attached to liner fabric 2612 at one or moreattachment portions. In this embodiment, partial bootie 2622 may beattached to liner fabric 2612 along a first liner attachment portion3000 extending along a longitudinal direction from heel region 14towards midfoot region 12. Additionally, partial bootie 2622 may beattached to liner fabric 2612 along a second liner attachment portion3002 extending along a vertical direction towards the top of article2600. In other embodiments, first liner attachment portion 3000 and/orsecond liner attachment portion 3002 may extend more less distance toattach partial bootie 2622 and liner fabric 2612.

In some embodiments, one or more of plurality of strap members 2624 maybe secured to a portion of upper 2610. In an exemplary embodiment,plurality of strap members 2624 may extend out from interior of article2600 and attach to upper 2610. In one embodiment, a distal end 3010 ofstrap member 2624 may be attached to upper 2610 at a strap attachmentportion 3004. In some embodiments, distal end 3010 of strap member 2624may be folded over and attached to upper 2610 at strap attachmentportion 3004 to form a loop. With this arrangement, plurality of strapmembers 2624 may be configured to form one or more loops in tongue area2618 for receiving a lace.

Additionally, in some embodiments, tongue 2616 may be attached to upper2610 using one or more of plurality of strap members 2624. In oneexemplary embodiment, distal end 3010 of strap member 2624 may passthrough a portion of tongue 2616 prior to distal end 3010 being attachedto upper 2610 at strap attachment portion 3004. With this arrangement,tongue 2616 may be held in tongue area 2618 by one or more loops formedin plurality of strap members 2624.

FIGS. 33 through 35 illustrate a cross-sectional view of an alternateexemplary embodiment of article of footwear 2600 incorporating decoupledfoot stabilizer system 2620. As shown in FIG. 33, partial bootie 2622may be disposed within the interior of upper 2610. In this embodiment,plurality of strap members 2624 on opposing sides may be disposedbetween partial bootie 2622 and upper 2610. In some embodiments,plurality of strap members 2624 may extend out from the interior ofupper 2610 as described above. Additionally, distal end 3010 of strapmembers 2624 may be associated with loops formed by attaching the foldedover distal end 3010 of each of plurality of strap members 2624 to upper2610 at strap attachment portion 3004. In an exemplary embodiment, loopsformed by distal end 3010 of strap members 2624 may be configured toreceive a lace for tightening article 2600. Further, in someembodiments, strap members 2624 may pass through a portion of tongue2614, as described above, to associate tongue 2614 with tongue area2618.

In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 2620 may be attached to baseportion 2630, as described above. In this embodiment, foot stabilizersystem 2620, including partial bootie 2622 and plurality of strapmembers 2624, may be secured to base portion 2630 along an hourglassshaped attachment area formed by hourglass attachment portion 2800, asdescribed above. In different embodiments, other attachment areas and/orattachment portions may be included to secure foot stabilizer system2620 to base portion 2630 or a portion of upper 2610, as describedherein. In one embodiment, upper 2610 also may be secured to baseportion 2630. In this embodiment, upper 2610 may be attached to baseportion 2630 along an outer periphery of base portion 2630. In anexemplary embodiment, base portion 2630 may be secured to sole structure2640. In some cases, sole structure 2640 may include one or more of aninsole, midsole, and/or outsole.

Referring now to FIG. 34, a cross-sectional view of an exemplaryembodiment of article of footwear 2600 including decoupled footstabilizer system 2620 is shown with foot 600 of a wearer disposedwithin. In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 2620 may have one ormore of plurality of strap members 2624 and/or partial bootie 2622 thatsurround and substantially conform to the shape of foot 600. In anexemplary embodiment, foot stabilizer system 2620 may be decoupled frombase portion 2630 at midfoot region 12. In different embodiments,various portions of foot stabilizer system 2620 may be decoupled frombase portion 2630 in one or more of forefoot region 10, midfoot region12, and/or heel region 14.

As shown in FIG. 34, the decoupling of foot stabilizer system 2620 frombase portion 2630 at midfoot region 12 may allow foot 600 to have adegree of freedom of motion relative to article 2600. In some cases, thedecoupling of foot stabilizer system 2620 may assist a wearer with achange in the direction of travel, including by “cutting” quickly to oneside. For example, a wearer may cut to the right by pushing hard on hisleft foot.

FIG. 35 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 34 in the case where a wearer is making a cutting move. In thisexemplary embodiment, foot stabilizer system 2620 is decoupled from baseportion 2630 at midfoot region 12. In this embodiment, plurality ofstrap members 2624 on opposing sides of article 2600 may stabilize foot600 within upper 2610 during lateral movements. With this configuration,foot 600 may rotate inward towards medial side 18 when a wearer makes acut to his right.

As shown in FIG. 35, foot stabilizer system 2620 may allow foot 600 tohave freedom of motion to rotate towards medial side 18, while keepingsole structure 2640 of article 2600 in contact with the ground. In anexemplary embodiment, an hourglass shaped attachment area formed byhourglass attachment portion 2800 may provide decoupling to footstabilizer system 2620 such that foot stabilizer system 2620 may move afourth height H4 relative to interior of article 2600 when a wearermakes a lateral cutting move. In various embodiments, fourth height H4may be larger or smaller in correspondence to the proximity of theattachment area to the outer periphery of article 2600. In thisembodiment, fourth height H4 may be smaller than other embodiments ofattachment areas with a narrower width, including central attachmentportion 131, as described above. In addition, in some cases, fourthheight H4 may be larger than other embodiments where wider attachmentareas are used to secure a foot stabilizer system, including a horseshoeattachment area, as described above.

FIGS. 36 through 44 illustrate an alternate exemplary embodiment of anarticle of footwear including a decoupled foot stabilizer system. Insome embodiments, a foot stabilizer system may be associated with aportion of an upper of an article of footwear. FIG. 36 illustrates anexploded view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of an article offootwear 3100. In some embodiments, article 3100 may include an upper3110. Generally, upper 3110 provides a covering for the foot thatcomfortably receives and securely positions the foot with respect to asole structure 3130. In some embodiments, one or more portions of upper3110 may be configured to fold under the top of upper 3110 to provide asurface for attaching to sole structure 3130. In exemplary embodiment,upper 3110 may be provided with extra material on a medial side and alateral side for forming a bottom surface to be secured to solestructure 3130. In one embodiment, upper 3110 may include a firstfolding portion 3114 and a second folding portion 3116 located at thebottom of opposing sides of upper 3110. In this embodiment, each offirst folding portion 3114 and second folding portion 3116 may be foldedalong an outer periphery 3115 of upper 3110 to form a bottom surface andenclose upper 3110.

In some embodiments, upper 3110 may include a tongue opening 3113. Inthis embodiment, tongue opening 3113 may include a portion of upper 3110that may be tightened around a foot of a wearer. In some embodiments,tongue opening 3113 may include opposing sides of upper 3110 that may bepulled together using laces. In some cases, tongue opening 3113 may beassociated with a tongue 3112. In other cases, tongue opening 3113 mayinclude an elastic or stretchable region of upper 3110.

In some embodiments, upper 3110 may be comprised of one or morematerials. In an exemplary embodiment, upper 3110 may include aplurality of articulated regions 3118. In one embodiment, articulatedregions 3118 may be comprised of a different material than the materialused for the remaining portion of upper 3110. In an exemplaryembodiment, articulated regions 3118 may be made of a material that isconfigured to stretch in one direction and remain substantiallyinflexible in another direction. In this embodiment, articulated regions3118 may be made from a material that remains substantially inflexiblein a direction along the longitudinal axis of article 3100, but that isconfigured to stretch in a direction along the lateral and/or verticalaxes.

In some cases, articulated regions 3118 of upper 3110 may be made fromelastic or stretchable materials, including, but not limited to any oneor a combination of: woven synthetic fibers, polyurethane, nylon,cotton, spandex, neoprene, and other natural and synthetic materials. Inother cases, articulated regions 3118 may be made from any material usedto make upper 3110, including but not limited to any one or acombination of: nylon, natural leather, synthetic leather, naturalrubber, or synthetic rubber, or any suitable knitted, woven or non-wovenmaterial.

In some embodiments, articulated regions 3118 in upper 3110 may provideflexibility to article 3100. In this embodiment, articulated regions3118 are arranged within triangular cut-outs or slits on upper 3110.With this arrangement, upper 3110 may be configured to bend to a greaterdegree than an upper without articulated regions 3118. In otherembodiments, articulated regions 3118 may be any type of opening inupper 3110 that allows a greater degree of bending or flexibility toarticle 3100. In still other embodiments, articulated regions 3118 maybe a portion of upper 3110 that is substantially free of any material.

In this embodiment, article 3100 may include an upper 3110 witharticulated regions 3118 that is associated with a foot stabilizersystem 3120. In this embodiment, foot stabilizer system 3120 does notinclude a separate bootie or sock liner component, as included in someprevious embodiments. It should be understood, however, that footstabilizer system 3120 may optionally include a bootie and/or sockliner. In one embodiment, foot stabilizer system 3120 may be configuredto extend to a height below an ankle of a wearer.

In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 3120 may include a strapsystem 3122. In an exemplary embodiment, strap system 3122 may include aplurality of strap members 3126. In an exemplary embodiment, pluralityof strap members 3126 may be configured to provide stability and/orsupport to foot stabilizer system 3120. In one embodiment, strap members3126 may have a triangular shape. In an exemplary embodiment, strapmembers 3126 having a triangular shape may be configured to distributethe load associated with supporting a foot of a wearer. In otherembodiments, strap members 3126 may have other shapes, including asubstantially similar shape as plurality of strap members 200 describedabove.

In an exemplary embodiment, strap members 3126 may be configured tosupport a foot of a wearer. In one embodiment, strap system 3122 mayinclude a number of plurality of strap members 3126 on opposite sides.In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of strap members 3126 may bepositioned on a lateral side and a medial side of foot stabilizer system3120. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 36, foot stabilizer system 3120may include strap system 3122 having six strap members 3126 disposed oneach side of article 3100. In other embodiments, foot stabilizer system3120 may include strap system 3122 having more or less strap members3126.

In some embodiments, plurality of strap members 3126 may be connected toeach other using a webbing material 3124. Webbing material 3124 may besubstantially similar to webbing 202 described above. As shown in FIG.36, webbing material 3124 may connect plurality of strap members 3126along the sides of foot stabilizer system 3120. In some cases, webbingmaterial 3124 may be disposed between fewer strap members. In othercases, webbing material 3124 may be disposed between two or more strapmembers on a single side of foot stabilizer system 3120. In differentembodiments, webbing material 3124 may be disposed between two or morestrap members associated with one or more of forefoot region 10, midfootregion 12, and heel region 14 of article 3100.

In some embodiments, article 3100 may also include provisions toassociate foot stabilizer system 3120 and upper 3110. In an exemplaryembodiment, article 3100 may include one or more support members 3128that are associated with upper 3110 and foot stabilizer system 3120. Inthis embodiment, a plurality of support members 3128 may be disposedunderneath a foot stabilizer system 3120. As shown in FIG. 36, supportmembers 3128 extend under foot stabilizer system 3120 from the lateralside to the medial side. In some cases, an individual support member3128 may be associated with each pair of strap members 3126 on footstabilizer system 3120. With this arrangement, support members 3128 maybe associated with strap members 3126 of strap system 3122 to provideadditional support to foot stabilizer system 3120 of article 3100. Inother cases, more or less support members 3128 may be provided toassociate one or more portions of foot stabilizer system 3120 withportions of upper 3110. In different embodiments, support members 3128need not be associated with strap members 3126 and may instead beassociated with other portions of foot stabilizer system 3120.

In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system 3120 may include additionalcomponents configured to protect and/or provide stability and support tovarious portions of a foot of a wearer, including toes and/or heel of awearer as discussed above in previous embodiments.

In some embodiments, article 3100 may include sole structure 3130. Solestructure 3130 may be generally positioned between a foot of a wearerand the ground. In some embodiments, sole structure 3130 may include oneor more of an outsole, a midsole, a single piece sole, and/or any numberof additional components associated with a conventional sole. In otherembodiments, sole structure 3130 may include one or more tread elementsfor engaging with the ground. In some embodiments, sole structure 3130may include one or more components. In some embodiments, sole structure3130 includes a top surface 3132. Top surface 3132 may be provided toattach bottom surface of upper 3110 to sole structure 3130.

In some embodiments, sole structure 3130 may include an outsole 3134.Outsole 3134 may be any conventional outsole used with an article offootwear. In an exemplary embodiment, outsole 3134 of sole structure3130 may include one or more tread elements 3136 for engaging with theground. Tread elements 3136 may be any conventional tread elements usedwith an article of footwear, including, but not limited to a cleat. Inother embodiments, sole structure 3130 may not include tread elements3136. While FIGS. 36 through 44 illustrate sole structure 3130 havingone or more tread elements, including a cleat, it should be understoodthat article 3100 may include sole structure 3130 as described hereinwithout limitation to any specific type of tread element.

In some embodiments, sole structure 3130 may optionally include a heelcup 3138. In an exemplary embodiment, heel cup 3138 may be made of arigid material to firmly support the heel of a foot of a wearer.

Referring now to FIG. 37, foot stabilizer system 3120 is illustratedbeing enclosed within upper 3110. In some embodiments plurality ofsupport members 3128 are arranged to pass under foot stabilizer system3120 and to extend out of upper 3110. In an exemplary embodiment, theends of support members 3128 may pass through tongue opening 3113 ofupper 3110. With this arrangement, plurality of support members 3128 maybe disposed underneath foot stabilizer system 3120 within interior 3111of upper 3110.

In some embodiments, first folding portion 3114 and second foldingportion 3116 of upper 3110 may be folded under article 3100 so as toenclose foot stabilizer system 3120 within interior 3111 of upper 3110.In some embodiments, first folding portion 3114 and second foldingportion 3116 of upper 3110 may be attached underneath upper 3110 to forma bottom surface. With this arrangement, bottom surface may serve asubstantially similar function as base portion 130 and/or base portion1130, described above. In an exemplary embodiment, bottom surface formedby first folding portion 3114 and second folding portion 3116 may besecured to top surface 3132 of sole structure 3130.

In different embodiments, bottom surface of upper 3110 may include oneor more of a midsole and/or strobel, as described above.

Referring now to FIG. 38, foot stabilizer system 3120 is shown enclosedwith interior 3111 of upper 3110. In this embodiment, plurality ofsupport members 3128 extend out from interior 3111 of upper 3110 throughtongue opening 3113. In one embodiment, foot stabilizer system 3120 maybe secured to bottom surface of upper 3110. In an exemplary embodiment,foot stabilizer system 3120 may be secured to bottom surface of upper3110 in a manner such that foot stabilizer system 3120 is selectivelydecoupled from one or more portions of article 3100. In differentembodiments, foot stabilizer system 3120 may be decoupled from bottomsurface of upper 3110 using various attachment portions as describedherein.

In some embodiments, upper 3110 including foot stabilizer system 3120and plurality of support members 3128 disposed within interior 3111 maybe secured to sole structure 3130. In some embodiments, bottom surfaceof upper 3110 may be disposed between foot stabilizer system 3120 andsole structure 3130. In one embodiment, bottom surface of upper 3110 maybe attached to top surface 3132 of sole structure 3130 using adhesive.In other embodiments, bottom surface of upper 3110 may be attached topsurface 3132 of sole structure 3130 using any suitable attachmentmechanism, including, but not limited to one or more of adhesive, heat,pressure, stitching, and other methods of attachment.

Referring now to FIG. 39, a cut-away view of an assembled alternateexemplary embodiment of article 3100 including foot stabilizer system3120 associated with upper 3110 is shown. In this embodiment, pluralityof support members 3128 may be secured to portions of foot stabilizersystem 3120 and upper 3110. As shown in the close-up view in FIG. 39,support member 3128 may extend out of interior 3111 of upper 3110. Insome embodiments, support member 3128 may be attached to upper 3110and/or portions of foot stabilizer system 3120.

In one embodiment, one or more support members 3128 may be attached toboth upper 3110 and portions of foot stabilizer system 3120. In thisembodiment, support member 3128 is attached to strap member 3126 of footstabilizer system 3120 at a first attachment point 3150. Similarly, inthis embodiment, support member 3128 may also be attached to upper 3110at a second attachment point 3152. As shown in this embodiment, supportmember 3128 may form a loop spanning between first attachment point 3150on strap member 3126 and second attachment point 3152 on upper 3110. Insome cases, first attachment point 3150 and second attachment point 3152may be a stitch or stitching. In other cases, other attachmentmechanisms may be used to secure support member 3128 to portions of footstabilizer system 3120 and/or upper 3110.

While the present embodiment illustrates first attachment point 3150 andsecond attachment point 3152 for attaching support member 3128 to,respectively, strap member 3126 and upper 3110, additional attachmentpoints may be provided on foot stabilizer system 3120 and/or upper 3110to provide a secure connection with support member 3128. Additionally,one or more support members 3128 may be attached to foot stabilizersystem 3120 and/or upper 3110 in a similar manner on lateral side andmedial side of article 3100. In other embodiments, one or more supportmembers 3128 may be secured to other portions of upper 3110, includingarticulated regions 3118.

FIG. 40 illustrates a cross-sectional view of foot stabilizer system3120 and upper 3110 associated with each other by one or more supportmembers 3128. In this embodiment, it should be understood that article3100 may include a number of other components typically associated withan article of footwear, including sole structure 3130, that have notbeen included in this view for the purposes of illustration.

In this embodiment, strap system 3122 of foot stabilizer system 3120 isshown disposed within interior 3111 of upper 3110. A plurality ofsupport members 3128 may be disposed beneath strap system 3122 betweenfoot stabilizer system 3120 and interior 3111 of upper 3110. In thisembodiment, plurality of support members 3128 may be attached toplurality of strap members 3126 of strap system 3122 at a number offirst attachment points 3150. Similarly, plurality of support members3128 also may be attached to upper 3110 at a number of second attachmentpoints 3152. Additionally, in this embodiment, foot stabilizer system3120 may be secured to a bottom surface of upper 3110 at a centralattachment portion 3154 and at a heel attachment portion 3156. With thisarrangement, lateral and medial portions of foot stabilizer system 3120may be decoupled from upper 3110 at areas other than along centralattachment portion 3154. In some embodiments, foot stabilizer system3120 may additionally be attached to bottom surface of upper 3110 at aforefoot attachment portion (not shown). In different embodiments, footstabilizer system 3120 may be attached to a portion of upper 3110 and/ora base portion using any attachment area to provide selective decouplingas discussed herein.

FIGS. 41 and 42 illustrate an assembled embodiment of article 3100including upper 3110 with articulated regions 3118. In this embodiment,plurality of support members 3128 associate foot stabilizer system 3120and upper 3110 with articulate regions 3118. In an exemplary embodiment,support members 3128 may be attached to strap members 3126 and to upper3110 at second connection point 3152. In some embodiments, article 3100may include tongue 3112. In some embodiments, tongue 3112 may be securedto one or more portions of upper 3110 and/or foot stabilizer system3120. In an exemplary embodiment, article 3100 further includes a lace500. In some embodiments, lace 500 may run through loops formed by theattachment of support members 3128 between upper 3110 and footstabilizer system 3120. Additionally, in some embodiments, lace 500 runthrough loops formed by support members 3128 may assist in securingtongue 3112 to article 3100. In other embodiments, lace 500 may runthrough one or more lacing holes, as described above, disposed inportions of support members 3128, strap members 3126, and/or portions ofupper 3110.

Referring now to FIG. 42, as described above, articulated regions 3118disposed in upper 3110 may be configured to allow article 3100 to have agreater degree of flexibility or bending. In this embodiment, article3100 is shown undergoing bending associated with articulated regions3118 of upper 3110. As shown in FIG. 42, articulated regions 3118arranged within cut-outs or slits of upper 3110 may allow upper 3110 tobend. With this arrangement, bending of article 3100 closes the gap inthe cut-outs in upper 3110 corresponding to articulated regions 3118. Asa result, the gap in upper 3110 becomes smaller and allows greaterflexibility to article 3100. In some embodiments, articulated regions3118 include elastic or stretchable materials, as described above, thatare configured to provide bending of upper 3110 at articulated regions3118. Additionally, in some embodiments, article 3100 may include othercomponents that provide a greater degree of flexibility or bending,including, for example, an articulated sole associated with solestructure 3130.

FIGS. 43 and 44 illustrate a cross-sectional view of article 3100 withfoot stabilizer system 3120 and upper 3110 associated with each other byone or more support members 3128. In this embodiment, foot 600 isdisposed within interior 3111 of upper 3110. As shown in thecross-sectional view, strap system 3122 of foot stabilizer system 3120may be attached to a bottom surface of upper 3110 formed by firstfolding portion 3114 and second folding portion 3116 at centralattachment portion 3154. Also shown in this view is first connectionpoint 3150 attaching support member 3128 to strap member 3126 and secondconnection point 3152 attaching support member 3128 to upper 3110.

In some embodiments, lace 500 may be disposed through loops formed bysupport members 3128 attached between upper 3110 and foot stabilizersystem 3120. In an exemplary embodiment, lace 500 disposed through loopsformed by support members 3128 may be pulled to tighten or cinch footstabilizer system 3120 to foot 600. As shown in FIG. 43, a wearer maypull up on lace 500 in a vertical direction along vertical axis 30 froma point 3180 above article 3100. With this arrangement, lace 500 may beused to provide a customized or improved fit to foot 600 of a wearerwithin article 3100. Additionally, by associating foot stabilizer system3120 and upper 3110 with support members 3128, a load may be distributedmore evenly between upper 3110 and strap members 3126.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 44, a wearer may pull up on lace 500 in adirection to one side of vertical axis 30 from an offset point 3182. Inthis embodiment, lace 500 disposed through loops formed by supportmembers 3128 may be pulled in a direction corresponding to offset point3182 to tighten or cinch foot stabilizer system 3120 to foot 600. Withthis arrangement, a greater amount of support and/or stability may beprovided to foot 600 within article 3100 by foot stabilizer system 3120conforming to the shapes and/or contours of foot 600. In otherembodiments, lace 500 may be pulled in other directions to tighten orcinch foot stabilizer system 3120 to foot 600.

In different embodiments, an attachment area that attaches a footstabilizer system to a base portion and/or a portion of an upper may bearranged with various configurations to provide a greater or smallerdegree of decoupling to the foot stabilizer system relative to anarticle of footwear. FIGS. 45 through 48 illustrate various alternateexemplary embodiments of attachment configurations including differenttypes and/or arrangements of attachment areas used to provide adecoupled foot stabilizer system relative to one or more portions of anarticle.

Referring now to FIG. 45, in this embodiment, an attachment area 3400using one or more central attachment portions may secure a footstabilizer system to a base portion and/or a portion of an upper. Insome embodiments, a foot stabilizer system may be attached to a baseportion at a central attachment portion that extends substantially alonglongitudinal axis 20. In one embodiment, a central attachment portionmay be substantially similar to central attachment portion 131, asdiscussed above. In other embodiments, the central attachment portionmay extend essentially from heel region 14 to forefoot region 10. In anexemplary embodiment, the central attachment portion may include aforefoot central attachment portion 3402. Forefoot central attachmentportion 3402 may extend a distance from a location adjacent to frontedge 3408 in forefoot region 10 towards midfoot region 12. Similarly,the central attachment portion may include a heel central attachmentportion 3412. Heel central attachment portion 3412 may extend a distancefrom a location adjacent to rear edge 3418 in heel region 14 towardsmidfoot region 12. In some cases, forefoot central attachment portion3402 and/or heel central attachment portion 3412 may extend through aportion of midfoot region. In other cases, the central attachmentportion may be completely decoupled at a center portion 3410 of themidfoot region 12.

In some embodiments, attachment area 3400 may attach a foot stabilizersystem to a base portion at one or more portions of near a periphery ofthe base portion in forefoot region 10. In an exemplary embodiment,attachment area 3400 may include a forefoot attachment portion. In oneembodiment, a lateral forefoot attachment portion 3404 may extend alonga portion of forefoot region 10 of the base portion associated withlateral side 16. Similarly, a medial forefoot attachment portion 3406may extend along a portion of forefoot region 10 of the base portionassociated with medial side 18. In some cases, lateral forefootattachment portion 3404 and medial forefoot attachment portion 3406 mayextend from one side to join with the other around front edge 3408 ofthe base portion near the periphery of forefoot region 10. In othercases, the forefoot attachment portion may include only one of lateralforefoot attachment portion 3404 and medial forefoot attachment portion3406, associated, respectively, with lateral side 16 and medial side 18.

In some embodiments, attachment area 3400 may attach a foot stabilizersystem to a base portion at one or more portions of near a periphery ofthe base portion in heel region 14. In an exemplary embodiment,attachment area 3400 may include a heel attachment portion. In oneembodiment, a lateral heel attachment portion 3414 may extend along aportion of heel region 14 of the base portion associated with lateralside 16. Similarly, a medial heel attachment portion 3416 may extendalong a portion of heel region 14 of the base portion associated withmedial side 18. In some cases, lateral heel attachment portion 3414 andmedial heel attachment portion 3416 may extend from one side to joinwith the other around rear edge 3418 of the base portion near theperiphery of heel region 14. In other cases, the heel attachment portionmay include only one of lateral heel attachment portion 3414 and medialheel attachment portion 3416, associated, respectively, with lateralside 16 and medial side 18.

Using various attachment portions associated with attachment area 3400,one or more of forefoot central attachment portion 3402, lateralforefoot attachment portion 3404, medial forefoot attachment portion3406, heel central attachment portion 3412, lateral heel attachmentportion 3414, and/or medial heel attachment portion 3416, as well as anoptional central attachment portion corresponding to center portion3410, may allow the foot stabilizer system to conform to the shape ofand/or provide freedom of motion to the wearer's foot along lateral side16 and/or medial side 18.

Referring now to FIG. 46, an attachment area 3500 for securing a footstabilizer system to a base portion and/or a portion of an upper may beassociated with an hourglass shape. In some embodiments, hourglassshaped attachment area 3500 may be defined by various hourglassattachment portions. In some embodiments, a first hourglass attachmentportion 3502 may extend around a perimeter of a base portion. In thisembodiment, first hourglass attachment portion 3502 may selectivelydecouple portions of a foot stabilizer system from a base portion of anarticle. In one embodiment, first hourglass attachment portion 3502 mayextend around the perimeter at a distance away from the outer peripheryof the base portion of the article. In an exemplary embodiment, firsthourglass attachment portion 3502 may be substantially similar tohourglass attachment portion 2800, as described above.

In some embodiments, hourglass shaped attachment area 3500 may includean hourglass attachment portion that may be disposed at a distance thatis closer or farther from the outer periphery of the base portion of thearticle than first hourglass attachment portion 3502. In one embodiment,a second hourglass attachment portion 3504 may extend around a perimeterof the base portion of article at a distance that is farther from theouter periphery than first hourglass attachment portion 3502. In thisembodiment, second hourglass attachment portion 3504 may define anarrower width for attachment area 3500. With this arrangement, secondhourglass attachment portion 3504 may be configured to increase thedegree of decoupling provided between a foot stabilizer system and anarticle.

In another embodiment, a third hourglass attachment portion 3506 mayextend around a perimeter of the base portion of article at a distancethat is closer to the outer periphery than first hourglass attachmentportion 3502. In this embodiment, third hourglass attachment portion3506 may define a wider width for attachment area 3500. With thisarrangement, third hourglass attachment portion 3506 may be configuredto decrease the degree of decoupling provided between a foot stabilizersystem and an article.

In some embodiments, hourglass shaped attachment area 3500 may beconfigured to vary between any one or more regions of an article,including forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and/or heel region 14.In one embodiment, a combination of first hourglass attachment portion3502, second hourglass attachment portion 3504, and/or third hourglassattachment portion 3506 may be used in any one or more of forefootregion 10, midfoot region 12, and/or heel region 14. For example, in anexemplary embodiment, a forefoot hourglass attachment area 3510 may beassociated with third hourglass attachment portion 3506 in forefootregion 10, while a midfoot hourglass attachment area 3512 may beassociated with a different hourglass attachment portion, includingfirst hourglass attachment portion 3502 or second hourglass attachmentportion 3504. Similarly, a heel hourglass attachment area 3514 may beassociated with any one of first hourglass attachment portion 3502,second hourglass attachment portion 3504, and/or third hourglassattachment portion 3506, which may be different from the hourglassattachment portion associated with forefoot hourglass attachment area3510 and/or midfoot hourglass attachment area 3512. With thisarrangement, the degree of decoupling of the foot stabilizer system fromthe article may be customized across one or more regions of the article.

Additionally, in some embodiments, hourglass shaped attachment area 3500may be configured to vary between lateral side 16 and medial side 18 ofan article. In an exemplary embodiment, a combination of first hourglassattachment portion 3502, second hourglass attachment portion 3504,and/or third hourglass attachment portion 3506 may be used in any one ormore of forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and/or heel region 14 onlateral side 16 and/or medial side 18 of an article. With thisarrangement, a foot stabilizer system may be selectively decoupled froman article in greater or smaller degree across various regions and/orsides of the article. In various embodiments, using different variationsof hourglass shaped attachment area 3500, a foot stabilizer system maybe configured for various sports and activities with different amountsof support and/or stability.

Referring now to FIG. 47, an attachment area 3600 for securing a footstabilizer system to a base portion and/or a portion of an upper may beassociated with a horseshoe shape. In some embodiments, horseshoe shapedattachment area 3600 may be defined by various horseshoe attachmentportions. In some embodiments, horseshoe shaped attachment area 3600 maybe defined by a first horseshoe attachment portion 3602 on lateral side16 and a second horseshoe attachment portion 3604 on medial side 18. Inthis embodiment, first horseshoe attachment portion 3602 and secondhorseshoe attachment portion 3604 may selectively decouple portions of afoot stabilizer system from a base portion and/or a portion of an upper.

In one embodiment, each of first horseshoe attachment portion 3602and/or second horseshoe attachment portion 3604 may start and terminateadjacent to an outer periphery of the base portion at forefoot region 10and heel region 14, respectively. As first horseshoe attachment portion3602 and/or second horseshoe attachment portion 3604 extend throughmidfoot region 12, each of first horseshoe attachment portion 3602and/or second horseshoe attachment portion 3604 is located closer to thecenter of the base portion. With this arrangement, a foot stabilizersystem may be selectively decoupled from an article at midfoot region12. In an exemplary embodiment, first horseshoe attachment portion 3602and second horseshoe attachment portion 3604 may be substantiallysimilar, respectively, to first horseshoe attachment portion 1900 andsecond horseshoe attachment portion 1902, as described above.

In some embodiments, horseshoe shaped attachment area 3600 may includeone or more horseshoe attachment portions on lateral side 16 and/ormedial side 18 that may be disposed at a distance that is closer orfarther from the outer periphery of the base portion of the article thanfirst horseshoe attachment portion 3602 and/or second horseshoeattachment portion 3604. In one embodiment, a third horseshoe attachmentportion 3612 may extend through midfoot region 12 of the base portion ata distance that is farther from the outer periphery than first horseshoeattachment portion 3602. Similarly, a fourth horseshoe attachmentportion 3614 may extend through midfoot region 12 of the base portion ata distance that is farther from the outer periphery than secondhorseshoe attachment portion 3604. In this embodiment, third horseshoeattachment portion 3612 and fourth horseshoe attachment portion 3614 maydefine a narrower width for attachment area 3600. With this arrangement,third horseshoe attachment portion 3612 and/or fourth horseshoeattachment portion 3614 may be configured to increase the degree ofdecoupling provided between a foot stabilizer system and an article.

In another embodiment, a fifth horseshoe attachment portion 3622 mayextend through midfoot region 12 of the base portion at a distance thatis closer to the outer periphery than first horseshoe attachment portion3602. Similarly, a sixth horseshoe attachment portion 3624 may extendthrough midfoot region 12 of the base portion at a distance that iscloser to the outer periphery than second horseshoe attachment portion3604. In this embodiment, fifth horseshoe attachment portion 3622 andsixth horseshoe attachment portion 3624 may define a wider width forattachment area 3600. With this arrangement, fifth horseshoe attachmentportion 3622 and/or sixth horseshoe attachment portion 3624 may beconfigured to decrease the degree of decoupling provided between a footstabilizer system and an article.

In some embodiments, horseshoe shaped attachment area 3600 may beconfigured to vary between between lateral side 16 and medial side 18 ofan article. In an exemplary embodiment, a combination any one or more offirst horseshoe attachment portion 3602, second horseshoe attachmentportion 3604, third horseshoe attachment portion 3612, fourth horseshoeattachment portion 3614, fifth horseshoe attachment portion 3622, and/orsixth horseshoe attachment portion 3624 may be used in any one or moreof forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and/or heel region 14 onlateral side 16 and/or medial side 18 of an article. With thisarrangement, a foot stabilizer system may be selectively decoupled froman article in greater or smaller degree across various regions and/orsides of the article. In various embodiments, using different variationsof horseshoe shaped attachment area 3600, a foot stabilizer system maybe configured for various sports and activities with different amountsof support and/or stability.

In different embodiments, the arrangement of various attachment areas,including any one or more of attachment area 3400, hourglass shapedattachment area 3500, and/or horseshoe shaped attachment area 3600, asdescribed in the previous embodiments, on lateral side 16 and/or medialside 18 in forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and/or heel region 14,as well as the intentional decoupling of portions of a foot stabilizersystem from a base portion and/or a portion of an upper, may be designedfor particular performance parameters associated with different athleticmovements. For example, midfoot region 12 of the foot stabilizer may bedecoupled from the base portion in articles of footwear used in sportswith frequent lateral movements. In other cases, a pair of footwear mayhave different arrangements of attachment areas for the foot stabilizersystem on each of the left and right articles of footwear.

In some embodiments, attachment areas may be provided for securing afoot stabilizer system to a combination of different types of baseportions. Referring now to FIG. 48, in this embodiment, pod attachmentarea 4800 may include attachment portions associated with one or morebase portions, as described in the various embodiments above. In thisembodiment, one base portion including a bottom surface 4810 formed byfolded over portions of an upper may be provided substantially inmidfoot region 12. Additionally, one or more base portions, including aheel base portion 4820 and/or a forefoot base portion 4822 may beprovided, respectively, at heel region 14 and forefoot region 10.

In some embodiments, pod attachment area 4800 may include a first centerattachment portion 4814 attaching a foot stabilizer system 4812 tobottom surface 4810 substantially along longitudinal axis 20 at midfootregion 12. In an exemplary embodiment, pod attachment area 4800 mayinclude a heel pod attachment portion 4821 attaching foot stabilizersystem 4812 to heel base portion 4820 at heel region 14. Similarly, podattachment area 4800 may include a forefoot pod attachment portion 4823attaching foot stabilizer system 4812 to forefoot base portion 4822 atforefoot region 10. In an exemplary embodiment, first center attachmentportion 4814, heel pod attachment portion 4821, and/or forefoot podattachment portion 4823 may be attached using any type of stitching, asdescribed above, or other attachment mechanisms described herein.

In this embodiment, heel base portion 4820 and/or forefoot base portion4822 may be a strobel, as discussed above. Bottom surface 4810 may be aportion of an upper that has been folded under, as discussed above. Withthis arrangement, foot stabilizer system 4812 may be attached to heelbase portion 4820 and/or forefoot base portion 4822 in regions of anarticle where no decoupling is to be provided, but may be attached tobottom surface 4810 in a specific region or portion of a region in amanner so as to provide selective decoupling in the desired region ofthe article. In different embodiments, any of the attachment areasdescribed herein may include one or more combinations of base portionsand/or portions of an upper arranged in a pod arrangement correspondingto different regions of article, as shown in FIG. 48.

In different embodiments, pod attachment area 4800 may be attached to asole structure using any attachment mechanism described herein. In oneembodiment, heel base portion 4820 and/or forefoot base portion 4822 maybe attached to a sole structure by using adhesive along substantiallyall of heel base portion 4820 and/or forefoot base portion 4822 toattach the foot stabilizer system to heel region 14 and/or forefootregion 10 of the article. In one embodiment, bottom surface 4810 may beattached to a sole structure by using adhesive along a narrow centerportion or strip along longitudinal axis 20 to selectively decouple thefoot stabilizer system at midfoot region 12 of the article. In variousembodiments, one or more portions of pod attachment area 4800 may beattached to a sole structure along forefoot region 10, midfoot region12, heel region 14, as well as lateral side and medial side toselectively decouple different portions of a foot stabilizer system froman article as described herein.

In different embodiments, one or more strap members of a foot stabilizersystem may be arranged with various configurations for being associatedwith a component for fastening an article of footwear. In someembodiments, one or more distal ends of strap members may be configuredto receive a lace. FIGS. 49 through 52 illustrate various alternateexemplary embodiments of different types and/or arrangements of distalends of strap members that may be configured to receive a lace orsimilar fastening component.

Referring now to FIG. 49, in this embodiment, an upper 3702 includes aplurality of openings, which may be represented by a first opening 3704.First opening 3704 may include any opening in an upper, includingopenings discussed above, including plurality of openings 116. In someembodiments, a first fastening arrangement 3700 may be provided at thedistal ends of strap members of a foot stabilizer system. In thisembodiment, first fastening arrangement 3700 may include a plurality ofstrap members, which may be represented by first strap member 3706. Eachof the plurality of strap members may have a lacing hole, which may berepresented by first lacing hole 3708 disposed at the distal end offirst strap member 3706. In some embodiments, first lacing hole 3708 maybe an eyelet. In some cases, first lacing hole 3708 may be die-cut orstamped in the strap member. In other cases, first lacing hole 3708 mayinclude a grommet. In this embodiment, first lacing hole 3708 associatedwith first strap member 3706 may extend out through first opening 3704in upper 3702 from the interior of the article.

Referring now to FIG. 50, in this embodiment, an upper 3802 includes aplurality of openings, which may be represented by a first opening 3804.First opening 3804 may include any opening in an upper, includingopenings discussed above, including plurality of openings 116. In someembodiments, a second fastening arrangement 3800 may be provided at thedistal ends of strap members of a foot stabilizer system. In thisembodiment, second fastening arrangement 3800 may include a plurality ofstrap members, which may be represented by first strap member 3806. Eachof the plurality of strap members may have a lacing hole, which may berepresented by first lacing hole 3808 disposed at the distal end offirst strap member 3806. In this exemplary embodiment, lacing hole 3808may be a tab formed by attaching a folded over end of first strap member3806 to itself.

FIGS. 51 and 52 illustrate alternate exemplary embodiments of distalends of a plurality of strap members where one or more strap members maybe coupled together to form a joined member. Referring now to FIG. 51,in this embodiment, a third fastening arrangement 3900 may include oneor more groups of joined strap members. In one embodiment, thirdfastening arrangement 3900 may include a first joined member 3916 formedby the joined distal ends of a plurality of strap members extending outthrough a plurality of openings in upper 3902. In this embodiment, upper3902 includes a first opening 3904, a second opening 3906, a thirdopening 3908, and a fourth opening 3910 for allowing the individualstrap members forming first joined member 3916 to pass through the outersurface of the article. In some embodiments, third fastening arrangement3900 may include a second joined member 3924. In this embodiment, secondjoined member 3924 may be formed by the distal ends of strap membersextending out through a fifth opening 3912 and a sixth opening 3914 inupper 3902. Similarly, a plurality of corresponding strap members mayform additional joined members on the opposing side of the article.

In some cases, first joined member 3916 may be associated with a firstnumber of strap members and second joined member 3924 may be associatedwith a second number of strap members. In this embodiment, first joinedmember 3916 may be formed by coupling four individual strap members andsecond joined member 3924 may be formed by coupling two individual strapmembers. In different embodiments, each of first joined member 3916 andsecond joined member 3924 may be associated with various numbers ofindividual strap members coupled together to form a joined strap member.

In some embodiments, one or more joined members may receive a lace inthe hollows between each of the plurality of individual strap membersthat extend out from openings in upper 3900. In this embodiment, firstjoined member 3916 may include a first hollow 3918, a second hollow3920, and a third hollow 3922 disposed between the strap members formingfirst joined member 3916. Similarly, second joined member 3924 mayinclude a fourth hollow 3926 disposed between the strap members formingsecond joined member 3924. In an exemplary embodiment, a lace may be runthrough one or more of first hollow 3918, second hollow 3920, thirdhollow 3922, and/or fourth hollow 3926, as well as corresponding hollowson the opposing side of the article. With this arrangement, a lace mayfasten an article around a foot of a wearer. In other embodiments, thejoined members and/or each of the strap members may include one or morelacing holes for receiving a lace. In different embodiments, the joinedmembers and/or each of the strap members may include lacing holes asdiscussed in various embodiments above.

Referring now to FIG. 52, in this embodiment, a fourth fasteningarrangement 4000 may include one or more groups of joined pairs of strapmembers. In this embodiment, the distal ends of a pair of strap membersextend out through openings in upper 4002 to form a first joined member4008. In this embodiment, upper 402 includes a first opening 4004 and asecond opening 4006 for allowing the individual strap members formingfirst joined member 4008 to pass through the outer surface of thearticle. Similarly, distal ends of additional pairs of strap members mayextend out through corresponding openings in upper 4002 to formadditional joined strap members. In this embodiment, first joined strapmember 4008 may include a hollow 4010 for receiving a lace, as describedabove. In other embodiments, first joined member and/or each of theindividual strap members may include one or more lacing holes forreceiving a lace, as discussed in various embodiments above.

In some embodiments, one or more joined members may be associated withstrap members located in different regions of the article of footwear,including, but not limited to a forefoot region, a midfoot region,and/or a heel region. In some embodiments, one or more joined members onthe lateral and medial side of the article may correspond to the sameregions of the article. In other embodiments, one or more joined memberson the lateral and medial side of the article may correspond todifferent regions of the article.

Referring to FIGS. 51 and 52, in some embodiments, joined members may beformed by coupling a plurality of strap members together. In some cases,the plurality of strap members may be attached to each other to form ajoined member. In other cases, the plurality of strap members may beintegrally formed together to form a joined member. In one exemplaryembodiment, the plurality of strap members may be attached by stitchingto form a joined member. In another exemplary embodiment, the pluralityof strap members may include additional material used to join togetherthe individual strap members to form a joined strap member.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, itshould be understood that any of the features of the various embodimentsmay be used in combination with any of the other embodiments to assembledifferent articles of footwear with a decoupled foot stabilizer system.FIG. 53 illustrates a schematic view of various components 4100 forassembling an article of footwear with a decoupled foot stabilizersystem. In this embodiment, a number of options may be available foreach of the various components 4100. In an exemplary embodiment, one ormore types of uppers 4110 may be provided. In this embodiment, types ofuppers 4110 may include a sandal upper 4111, a skeletonized upper 4112,a low-top upper 4113, and/or a high-top upper 4114. Types of uppers 4110may include one or more embodiments of uppers described herein,including, but not limited to: upper 110, upper 1110, upper 1710, and/orupper 2610, as well as any other type of conventional upper used for anarticle of footwear.

In an exemplary embodiment, various components 4100 may include one ormore types of lacing arrangements 4120 for a foot stabilizer system. Inthis embodiment, types of lacing arrangements 4120 may include an eyelet4121, a tab 4122, a loop 4123, a hollow 4124, and/or multiple hollows4125. Types of lacing arrangements 4120 may include one or moreembodiments of lacing arrangements described herein, including, but notlimited to: distal end 3010 described in FIG. 32, first lacingarrangement 3700, second lacing arrangement 3800, third lacingarrangement 3900, and/or fourth lacing arrangement 4000, as well as anyother type of conventional lacing arrangement used for an article offootwear.

In an exemplary embodiment, various components 4100 also may include oneor more types of foot stabilizer systems 4130. In this embodiment, typesof foot stabilizer systems 4130 may include a partial bootie with amidfoot strap system 4131, a triangular shaped strap system without abootie 4132, a low-top sock liner with a midfoot triangular shaped strapsystem 4133, and/or an ankle-length bootie with strap system 4134. Typesof foot stabilizer systems 4130 may include one or more embodiments offoot stabilizer systems described herein, including, but not limited to:foot stabilizer system 120, foot stabilizer system 1120, foot stabilizersystem 1720, foot stabilizer system 2620, as well as any combination ofindividual booties and/or strap systems described in any of the variousembodiments.

In an exemplary embodiment, various components 4100 may include one ormore types of attachment areas 4140 for securing a foot stabilizersystem to a base portion and/or a portion of an upper to selectivelydecouple the foot stabilizer system from an article. In this embodiment,types of attachment areas 4140 may include a central attachment area4141, a horseshoe shaped attachment area 4142, and/or an hourglassshaped attachment area 4143. Types of attachment areas 4140 may includeone or more embodiments of attachment areas described herein, including,but not limited to: attachment area 3400, hourglass shaped attachmentarea 3500, and/or horseshoe shaped attachment area 3600, as well as anyother type of attachment area and/or combination of attachment areasdescribed in any of the various embodiments.

In an exemplary embodiment, various components 4100 may include one ormore types of sole structures 4150 for an article of footwear includinga decoupled foot stabilizer system. In this embodiment, types of solestructures 4150 may include a conventional sole 4151, a cleated sole4152, a cleated sole with a heel cup 4153, and/or an articulated sole4154. Types of sole structures 4150 may include one or more embodimentsof sole structures described herein, including, but not limited to: solestructure 140, sole structure 1140, sole structure 1730, and/or solestructure 2640, as well as any other type of conventional sole structureused for an article of footwear.

Additionally, an article of footwear may include one or more componentsdescribed in the various embodiments herein or included in conventionalfootwear.

With this arrangement, various components 4100 may be combined withdifferent choices of one or more of types of uppers 4110, types oflacing arrangements 4120, types of foot stabilizer systems 4130, typesof attachment areas 4140, and/or types of sole structures 4150, as wellas choice of a base portion and any other additional components, toassemble an article of footwear with a decoupled foot stabilizer system.

Referring now to FIG. 54, a schematic view of a choice of components4200 is illustrated to assemble alternate exemplary embodiment of anarticle of footwear 1100, as described above. In this embodiment,skeletonized upper 4112 may be combined with an eyelet 4121 lacingarrangement, a low-top sock liner with a midfoot triangular shaped strapsystem 4133, a central attachment area 4141, and an articulated sole4154 to form article 1100.

In a similar manner, FIG. 55 illustrates a schematic view of a choice ofcomponents 4300 to assemble alternate exemplary embodiment of an articleof footwear 1700, as described above. In this embodiment, low-top upper4113 may be combined with a tab 4122 lacing arrangement, a triangularshaped strap system without a bootie 4132, a horseshoe shaped attachmentarea 4142, and a cleated sole with a heel cup 4153 to form article 1700.

While specific examples of embodiments of articles with decoupled footstabilizer systems have been described, it should be understood that bycombining the various components as described herein, other embodimentsof articles with decoupled foot stabilizer systems including one or morefeatures of the present embodiments may be formed.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, thedescription is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and itwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restrictedexcept in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also,various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of theattached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of footwear, comprising: an upperhaving a plurality of cut-outs defining articulated regions; a solestructure; a base portion attached to the sole structure; a footstabilizer system including a plurality of strap members, the footstabilizer system being disposed in an interior of the upper and beingattached to the base portion at an attachment area that extendslongitudinally along the base portion; a plurality of support membersdisposed under the foot stabilizer system and extending out from theinterior of the upper; wherein one or more of the plurality of supportmembers are attached to one or more of the plurality of strap membersand a portion of the upper; and wherein the foot stabilizer system isdecoupled from the base portion at a midfoot region.
 2. The article offootwear according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality ofsupport members are attached to a portion of the upper excluding thearticulated regions.
 3. The article of footwear according to claim 1,wherein the articulated regions further comprise an elastic materialdisposed within the plurality of cut-outs.
 4. The article of footwearaccording to claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of supportmembers are attached to one or more of the plurality of strap membersand the portion of the upper to form loops for receiving a lace.
 5. Thearticle of footwear according to claim 4, wherein the foot stabilizersystem is configured to be tightened around a foot of a wearer when thelace disposed through one or more loops formed by the plurality ofsupport members is pulled.
 6. The article of footwear according to claim1, wherein each of the plurality of cut-outs is triangular.
 7. Thearticle of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the attachment areaincludes at least one of a central attachment portion, a horseshoeattachment portion, and an hourglass attachment portion.
 8. The articleof footwear according to claim 1, wherein the base portion includes afirst base portion comprising a first material and a second base portioncomprising a second material, the second material different than thefirst material.
 9. The article of footwear according to claim 8, whereinthe first base portion is disposed in one of a forefoot region and aheel region; and wherein the second base portion is disposed in themidfoot region.
 10. The article of footwear according to claim 9,wherein the foot stabilizer system is attached to the first base portionat the forefoot region and the heel region; and wherein the footstabilizer system is attached to the second base portion at the midfootregion along a central attachment portion.
 11. The article of footwearaccording to claim 8, wherein the first base portion further comprises astrobel; and wherein the second base portion further comprises a portionof the upper.
 12. The article of footwear according to claim 1, whereineach articulated region comprises a material that is substantiallyinflexible in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the article offootwear and is configured to stretch in a direction along at least oneof a lateral axis and a vertical axis of the article of footwear. 13.The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of cut-outs is a triangular slit in the upper; wherein thetriangular slit extends toward the sole structure from an upper openside at an upper portion of the upper toward an opposite lower side atwhich a first sloped side of the triangular slit and a second slopedside of the triangular slit converge; and wherein the lower side of thetriangular slit is disposed at an interior portion of the upper.
 14. Thearticle of footwear according to claim 13, wherein each strap member hasa triangular shape having a third sloped side and a fourth sloped sidethat converge at a top portion of the strap member; and wherein the eachstrap member is positioned between adjacent cut-outs of the upper. 15.The article of footwear according to claim 14, wherein the adjacentcut-outs comprise a first cut-out and a second cut-out; wherein thethird sloped side of the strap member is substantially aligned with thefirst sloped side of the first cut-out; and wherein the fourth slopedside of the strap member is substantially aligned with the second slopedside of the second cut-out.
 16. The article of footwear according toclaim 15, wherein an upper edge of the upper defines a tongue opening ofthe article of footwear; wherein the plurality of cut-outs is disposedalong the upper edge of the upper; and wherein the top portion of thestrap member extends above the upper edge of the upper.
 17. The articleof footwear according to claim 15, wherein a first portion of a supportmember of the plurality of support members is attached to the topportion of the strap member and a second portion of the support memberis attached to the upper between the first cut-out and the secondcut-out.
 18. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein thefoot stabilizer system is further attached to the base portion at a heelregion and a forefoot region; and wherein the foot stabilizer system isdecoupled from an outer perimeter of the base portion along the midfootregion.
 19. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper having aplurality of cut-outs defining articulated regions and attachmentregions between the articulated regions; a sole structure; a baseportion attached to the sole structure; a foot stabilizer systemincluding a plurality of strap members, the foot stabilizer system beingdisposed in an interior of the upper and being attached to the baseportion at an attachment area that extends longitudinally along the baseportion; a plurality of support members extending between the footstabilizer system and the base portion and between the foot stabilizersystem and the upper; wherein a support member is attached to a strapmember and to an attachment region of the upper in between adjacentarticulated regions; and wherein the foot stabilizer system is decoupledfrom an outer perimeter of the base portion along a midfoot region. 20.An article of footwear, comprising: an upper defining a tongue opening;wherein the upper defines a first cut-out and a second cut-out along anupper edge of the tongue opening, and an attachment region between thefirst cut-out and the second cut-out; a sole structure attached to theupper; a foot stabilizer system including a strap member, the footstabilizer system being disposed in an interior of the upper and beingattached to the sole structure at an attachment area that extendslongitudinally along the sole structure; wherein the strap member isaligned with the attachment region of the upper; a support memberextending between the foot stabilizer system and the sole structure andbetween the foot stabilizer system and the upper; wherein the supportmember is aligned with the attachment region of the upper; wherein thesupport member is attached to the strap member and to the attachmentregion of the upper; and wherein the foot stabilizer system is decoupledfrom an outer perimeter of the sole structure along a midfoot region.